Some Fredericton restaurants have stepped up to ensure a charity meal program continues, despite a Thanksgiving weekend fire.

Chefs at the Isaac's Way restaurant have provided meals for the weekly drop-in program at Wilmot United Church for the past decade, but the Oct. 7 fire destroyed the eatery's building, which also housed a rooming house.

The group Friends of Isaac's Way says The Delta, Dolan's, Cora's and M and T Deli have pledged to cover the program for the next six months.

About 40 people show up at the church every Saturday for the meal, according to Jason LeJeune, the owner of Isaac's Way.

The victims of the rooming house fire were the core of the drop-in centre's community, LeJeune has said.

Efforts to help rooming house tenants continue

Earlier this week, Department of Social Development officials said housing has been found for 22 of the 26 rooming house tenants left homeless by the blaze.

But Tim Ross, co-ordinator of the Community Action Group on Homelessness, told CBC News only six people have new permanent homes.

"Well after a week, we'd like to do a lot better in rehousing these individuals," he said.

"Due to the lack of affordable rental housing in the community, it'll be a while before we can move others into the win column and we're hoping we can count on some community support."

The group is accepting online donations to a relief fund.

There's also a silent auction until Friday, with proceeds going to about two dozen former employees of Isaac's Way.

A community celebration is also being planned for Friday in Officers' Square from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.