News & Community

How to Give Back Following the Key Bridge Collapse

After the initial outpouring of community support, here are ways that local residents can get involved in the aftermath of the tragic accident.

In the hours following the deadly collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge on Tuesday, the Baltimore community did what it does best— quickly responding with an outpouring of support.  

Churches in surrounding neighborhoods like Turner Station and Dundalk hosted interfaith prayer vigils for those impacted. Members of the North Point Edgemere Volunteer Fire Department collected donated food and water for first-responder teams and nearby firehouses, while local restaurants like Ekiben, Jimmy’s Seafood, and Hard Yacht Café delivered hot meals. Meanwhile, the Anchor Bay Marina provided fuel for search-and-rescue vessels.  

The incident has claimed at least two lives, with two construction workers rescued and four others still missing and presumed dead. On Thursday, after a dayslong search, recovery efforts shifted to a salvage operation around the wreckage in order for divers to continue safely surveying the area. 

Now, various funds and resources have emerged, offering ways for the general public to get involved and give back.  

This list will continue to be updated. 

Fundraising and Donations 

Key Bridge Emergency Response Fund: In 48 hours, the Towson-based immigrant advocacy nonprofit Latino Racial Justice Circle Inc. raised more than $98,000 to be sent directly to families of the victims, all of whom are native to Latin America. They are now directing all donations to the Baltimore Civic Fund, which, in conjunction with the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, will support the families of both victims and survivors, and allow both individuals and organizations to make one-time or ongoing donations. 

The Baltimore Community Foundation Key Bridge Emergency Fund: This community-focused philanthropic nonprofit is now accepting both small and large donations for its new fund, dedicated solely to providing immediate and ongoing support to those impacted by the bridge collapse, with the initial focus being families, port workers, first responders, and Southeast Baltimore small businesses.  

Support First Responders with Boat Baltimore: While surrounding churches and fire departments have currently stopped accepting donated items due to a deluge of support in the immediate aftermath, Fells Point-based charter boat captain Bobby Lapin is helping direct additional items, such as water and snacks from local residents, as well as prepared meals by local restaurants, to the Maryland Cruise Terminal for first responders. 

Dinner in the Mourning Culinary Disaster Relief: In 2023, local chef and Crust by Mack owner Amanda Mack founded this culinary disaster relief group following the mass shooting that took place in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Southeast Baltimore. With the support of other local chefs and restaurants, her goal is to provide immediate food support to victims, families, and emergency response teams in times of crisis. A GoFundMe is currently raising monetary donations to feed those affected by the accident. 

Local Businesses Showing Support 

Max’s Taphouse: For the next month, following donation guidelines from local elected officials, the Fells Point beer bar will be donating 100 percent of sales from all Key Brewing Co. kegs to support the families impacted by the bridge collapse. The Dundalk brewery’s name and logo are a nod to the bridge, located less than two miles away from its facility. 

The Point in Fells: Wednesday through Monday, this Fells Point restaurant and bar is now offering a 50-percent discount on dinners for all first responders. 

Baltimore Photo Space: On Saturday, March 30, 10 percent of all in-store purchases at this Remington bookstore and gallery will be donated to the Civic Fund’s Key Bridge Emergency Respond Fund, mentioned above. 

Additional resources: Both the City of Baltimore and CASA of Maryland, a leading immigrant advocacy group based in Baltimore, have gathered a list of resources, including donation funds and mental health providers. The United Way of Central Maryland also has a free helpline that directs callers impacted by these events to essential services, such as food distribution, healthcare, childcare, and mortgage and rent assistance.