Local community organizations and Binghamton University officials have stepped in to aid five students after a March 26 fire displaced them from their home on 15 Seminary Ave.
“At first I felt depressed, but as soon as we got back to school everyone was so supportive,” said Steven Jimenez, a former resident of the destroyed West Side house.
The Broome County chapter of the Red Cross provided each resident with a card to buy $350 worth of food, groceries and other necessities lost in the fire.
“We provide for immediate needs like food, shelter, clothing and mental health until other agencies can come in with assistance,” said Jason Davis, deputy director of emergency services.
Mark Macyk, another student affected by the disaster, said the University acknowledged their situation and looked for financial assistance immediately.
“Stephanie Adamec [an assistant director of Off Campus College] called us the day of the fire,” said Macyk, a Pipe Dream editor. Adamec was able to secure aid through a University fund, and each student was presented with a $200 check from Dean of Students Lloyd Howe.
The Newman Association, the Roman Catholic organization at BU, gave each student a $300 grant.
Although the fire destroyed their home beyond repair, most of the students were able to quickly find a place to live for the remainder of the semester.
“We came back the Saturday before break ended, and our landlord helped us find new housing and some extra furniture to use,” Macyk said.
According to Scott Abramo, the students’ landlord, the state has mandated that the house be razed because it is in irreparable condition. Abramo does not know if he will rebuild on the site, and is waiting to hear more information from the state.
Three of the five students are now living together, and a fourth is living in an apartment next door. These four students are all seniors, and plan on staying in their new homes for just a few weeks until the school year ends.
The fifth student, Jimenez, has been staying with friends until he finds a new residence. Jimenez, a graduate student, is looking for somewhere he can live next semester.
“I’m looking for a place,” Jimenez said. “I’m a nomad right now.”
As the students have begun to settle down again, Macyk said they have found themselves spending more time on campus.
“Most people left their books in the house, and they have to spend a lot more time in the library now.”
Macyk warned future student renters about the importance of renter’s insurance.
“We can’t get reimbursed because none of us knew about insurance, but I wish we did,” Macyk said .
Both Macyk and Jiminez said that friends and teachers have offered them food, clothes, couches to sleep on and even money.
“I feel good now,” Jimenez said. “Life goes on.”