A non-profit organisation is calling on Bahamians to assist residents of a Haitian shantytown that was destroyed by fire Monday evening.

President of Great Commission Ministries International (GCMI), Bishop Walter Hanchell said since the fire, his organisation has provided the fire victims with supplies, food, prayers and words of encouragement, but more is needed.

“We are asking the community to do the same,” Bishop Hanchell said in a telephone interview with the Bahama Journal yesterday.

“There is an urgent need for food and funds. We must treat these people like we treat anyone else.”

Reports indicate that it was around 9:00p.m. Monday that fire ripped through a Haitian village off Joe Farrington road, displacing 121 people.

According to officials, of that figure, 36 are under the age of 17.

At least 30 homes were destroyed.

With no where else to turn, the families were forced to spend the last two nights at the Joe Farrington Road auditorium.

The Red Cross provided the group with toiletries and towels.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has also stepped in to assist.

But lodging at the auditorium is only a quick fix. The group must still decide what to do next.

Haitian Ambassador to The Bahamas, Antonio Rodriquez on Wednesday called the incident a devastating one.

While some residents suspect foul play, the matter remains under active investigation.