I went to Bishop Maginn High School tonight to see the school’s open house for new students and parents and also to interview some of the students who want to take my eight-week Writing Workshop, which begins in October.

I knew that an awful fire had destroyed five homes in South Albany last week, leaving 30 people homeless and without any possessions, food or shelter.

Bishop Maginn turned the school over to the families and was the main drop off point for food and clothing donations. The school also became the center of the housing and other relocation programs.

The fire victims have been coming to the school day and night to get needed supplies and help with applying for records and documents. Today the mayor, U.S. Senators and legislators showed up at the school.

Many of the families were refugees who lost everything they owned for the second time. Maria gave her weaving loom to one of the families, their main income had come from weaving clothes.

The school teamed up with the Red Cross and Catholic Charities to re-locate the homeless families and get them the food and clothing and help they needed. Sue says there is no need for additional help, they have enough.

Sue Silverstein took 96,000 steps today, according to her health watch, she has been up day and night collecting and sorting the mountains of clothes and other supplies that came pouring in from all over the city.

The day of the fire, the school basement was flooded by severe thunderstorms, the power was shut down until yesterday. I always feel like I am coming home when I go see Bishop Maginn, the school has the warmest, most touching feel to it.

Various rescue organizations are coming by tomorrow to colllect all of the donations, classes start next week.