GoFundMe Page Started After 10 Residents Displaced By Somerville Fire

SOMERVILLE, MA — A GoFundMe page has been started by one of 10 people who were living together in a Somerville home that was ravaged by fire on Feb. 4.

Ariel DiOrio — who said she is a member of the "Adams Family," a name that comes from the street on which the home is located — originated the GoFundMe page recently. As of Monday, the page had received 215 donations totaling $15,849. Though it was well short of its $38,000 goal.

According to DiOrio, the fire took place during the historic cold, when a blow torch was used to prevent the pipes from freezing. DiOrio said the action was part of a maintenance repair and not the fault of those living in the apartment.

DiOroio said the residents were displaced by the fire and are struggling to rebuild their lives.

"Since evacuating, we have had to scramble to find alternative housing options, and we have several urgent financial needs, which include paying for temporary housing, food, moving trucks, brokers fees, replacing damaged property and more," DiOrio wrote. "Because our community includes individuals who are unemployed, living on paltry Ph.D. stipends and working jobs that don't pay a living wage, it is vital to ensure stable housing for everyone."

DiOrio added: "We are devastated to lose our home, and we are so grateful for any support! If you are not able to donate, we would appreciate it if you could share this fundraiser with others."