UMass Lists Resources for Olympia Place Fire Victims and Info on How to Help
A fire at Olympia Place apartments on November 7 left two buildings in the complex a total loss. Photo: Amherst Firefighters Local 1764
The apartment fire at Olympia Drive last weekend left 232 residents, mostly UMass students, without housing. Many lost essential belongings including books, computers, clothing, and medications. UMass reports that displaced students are receiving direct assistance from the Dean of Students Office and the University has also established a web site to centralize informaation about responses to the fire.
The Olympia Drive Fire Response Page hosts daily updates from the University and a listing of resources available to fire victims, including where to find housing assistance, legal assistance, help in meeting basic needs, food aid, and counseling. UMass reports that any student displaced by the fire can eat for free in any campus dining commons.
How to Help
The site provides information on how to donate to programs assisting fire victims. UMass suggessts that the most effective way to support those affected by the fire is by giving to the Student Care and Emergency Response Fund which collects and distributes financial support for students with emrgency needs.
Donating Material Goods
All donations of material goods EXCEPT FOOD should be donated to the New2U thrift store in the Hampden Commons 2nd floor lobby. Students displaced from the fire will receive a $100 voucher for anything at the New2U Thrift Store in addition to unlimited access to clothing & toiletry items (through the end of the month). New2U store hours this week will be Monday 9-5, closed Tuesday for Veteran’s Day, open Weds-Fri 12pm-5pm. The lobby will remain open 9am-10pm Mon-Fri for donations.
New2U is located at Hampden Commons, 131 Southwest Circle, in Amherst. Park in the Southwest Horseshoe. Go up the stairs or ramp on the right side of the building. Turn left at the top of the stairs onto the concourse. Proceed to the main entrance to the building (on your left). Donations can be placed in bins in the lobby.
Food Donations
Food donations should be brought to one of the November Food Drive bins located around campus.