A Path Forward: Support and Healing after Olden Avenue Fire
On September 19, 2025, a horror beyond imagination struck families living along the 1200 block of North Olden Avenue in Trenton. That night, a three-alarm fire tore through seven connected houses. By morning, residents learned the devastating news: the blaze had claimed the life of their neighbor, 18-year-old high school student Joseph Kokulo. Three others were hospitalized, and every home affected had been completely destroyed.
In total, the fire left 22 people homeless. The Red Cross provided hotel vouchers for immediate shelter, but far more support was desperately needed. The City of Trenton’s Coordinated Entry Assessment System Center quickly reached out to Mosudi Idowu, Program Director of Rapid Re-Housing for assistance.
Trained and Ready to Respond
“The types of services these families needed are exactly the kind of services our Rapid Re-Housing team provides to people in danger of becoming homeless,” Idowu explained. “We set the displaced individuals and families up with temporary housing while we help them find a permanent residence. Our case managers also make assessments to ensure families’ other needs were addressed.”
Using funding from Mercer County, the Rapid Re Housing team was able to secure housing for nearly all the displaced families within just a few weeks, no small accomplishment given the severe shortage of affordable housing in the region. Working with a trusted network of local landlords, the team found appropriate permanent placements and helped families quickly resettle.
“Only one of the families impacted by this fire had renter’s insurance,” said Idowu. “The other families needed monetary support for security deposits, furniture, and basic household goods.” He also noted that the rents many families had been paying before the fire were far lower than current market rates. “Moving forward, they will need help adjusting to higher rent costs,” he added. “We are here for that.”
The Community Springs into Action
“In the midst of the darkness and tragedy these families are facing, there is a grace that comes from the community,” said Executive Director Marlene Laó-Collins. “These families know they are not alone. There has been a pouring out of love and hope from people who want to help.”
Following the fire, the City of Trenton rallied behind the survivors, organizing a donation drive to supply essentials such as gift cards, food and household goods.
The Princeton Area Community Foundation contacted Catholic Charities to offer assistance and provided a grant from the Eleanor V. Horne Special Community Needs Fund to help cover temporary housing costs for the displaced families.
Adjusting After the Loss
Yesheily Deleon, along with her mother Rebecca Rodriguez and brother Victor, had lived in their home for nearly five years. “I was at my job when the fire started,” said Yesheily, now a junior at Rider University. “I saw the whole thing unfolding on my phone. It was surreal watching my house burn while I was at work.”
“Most everything in our house was ruined,” she said. “But all of those things can be replaced. It is hard to imagine losing a son. We keep Joseph’s family in our hearts and prayers.” She, her mother and brother have moved into a new apartment in a quiet neighborhood. “We’re adapting, getting there little by little.”
Another resident, Sidney Settles, had lived with her mother in their home for nearly a decade. Sidney wasn’t home at the time of the fire. Her mother, age 67, suffered second and third degree burns and a broken shoulder blade escaping from the blaze. She was taken to the Temple Burn Center for treatment.
Sidney plans to stay with family for now. She does not want to choose a new home without her mother’s input. “We want to make that decision together,” she said.
Wraparound Support for the Months Ahead
“The families impacted by this fire are suffering,” said Idowu. “They all experienced serious trauma. Some are grieving the loss of a family member. Three people sustained injuries. It was important for us to make sure they all knew about Catholic Charities’ Early Intervention Support Services program, which offers behavioral health support to help them cope with grief, loss, depression and anxiety following the fire.”
Idowu also noted that case managers ensured families were connected to Catholic Charities’ food pantry and clothing closet. “We will keep in touch with these families,” he said. “Following their progress and making sure they have everything they need.”
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The Rapid Re-Housing Team was ready to assist families displaced by the blaze. From left they are Danny Jimenez, Elizabeth Tomaszewski, Mosudi Idowu and Ruchama Orne.
FOR MORE INFORMATION about Rapid Re-Housing, call 609–394–8847