Cambridge Seeking to Identify Permanent Housing for Fire Victims

The City is seeking to identify permanent rental housing for tenants and property owners displaced as a result of December 3, 2016 fire in the Wellington-Harrington Neighborhood. As we assess the housing needs of each family, the City is seeking to identify alternate housing in Cambridge for every household in need. Any Cambridge property owner with permanent rental housing that could be offered to victims should contact the Mayor’s Office at 617-349-4321 to help us match families in need with available housing. Housing needs include both affordable and market-rate housing, with a particular need for housing with 3- or 4-bedrooms that can accommodate families.

The City Manager’s Office and Mayor’s Office is working with a housing team which includes several City departments, the Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership, the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development, and the Cambridge Housing Authority.

The Cambridge Fire Department has confirmed that 18 properties were impacted by the fire, representing a total of 75 separate units. So far, the Red Cross and the City has interacted with 57 families (totaling 122 individuals). Residents of the impacted properties are strongly encouraged to register with the Red Cross by calling 800-564-1234. This is a critical first step in the starting the process for receiving assistance from the City and partner agencies.

The fire is being jointly investigated by members of the Cambridge Fire Department, Cambridge Police Department, State Police assigned to the Office of the State Fire Marshal, and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Download Statement on the fire investigation (PDF)

Residents impacted by the fire can call the City’s dedicated phone line, 617-349-9484, with questions regarding the fire or recovery assistance.

The public can donate to the Mayor’s Fire Relief Fund online at www.cambridgema.gov/firefund or by sending a check to:

Mayor’s Fire Relief Fund
Cambridge City Hall
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139

While greatly appreciated, the City is urging people to hold off on donating food, clothing or material goods at this time. Should this change, an announcement will be made in the media and on the City’s website and social media outlets.