April 1, 2004

VCU aids Carver homeowners affected by fires

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By Mike Frontiero
VCU School of Education

Carver-VCU Partnership Coordinator Leah S. Lamb (left) and homeowner Hortense Smith stand in front of her home, which was heavily damaged by fires that spread from a privately-owned student apartment building into the Carver neighborhood. The Partnership is helping residents and businesses get back on their feet. Photo by Mike Frontiero, University News Services
Carver-VCU Partnership Coordinator Leah S. Lamb (left) and homeowner Hortense Smith stand in front of her home, which was heavily damaged by fires that spread from a privately-owned student apartment building into the Carver neighborhood. The Partnership is helping residents and businesses get back on their feet. Photo by Mike Frontiero, University News Services

First her home was ravaged by fire. A few hours later, looters broke in and began to steal what was left. Hortense Smith had lived in the old two-story, brick rowhouse with her son and grandson for 42 years until a privately-owned student apartment building under construction near the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University caught fire, sending flames into the Carver neighborhood where she lives. Her home has been condemned and may have to be torn down, but VCU has stepped in to help.

The VCU Office of Community Programs arranged for a VCU Facilities Management crew to move her antique furniture and other valuables out of the house and into a secure storage area until she decides what to do with them. Facilities Management also placed temporary patches in her neighbor's roof, which also was damaged by the fire, until permanent repairs can be made. "I appreciate VCU's help," said Smith. "I didn't know VCU was going to do this."

Smith was approached the day after the fire by Office of Community Programs Director Catherine W. Howard and Carver Civic Association President Barbara Abernathy as they toured the damaged neighborhood. "Through the Carver-VCU Partnership, we've been working really hard to revitalize this community," said Howard. "So when we have a tragedy like this we feel compelled to help. VCU cares a great deal about Carver."

Howard's office established the Carver-VCU Partnership in 1996 to enhance the well-being of all who live, work and study in Carver, which borders the northern edge of the Academic Campus. Leah S. Lamb is coordinator of the Partnership and is assisting with the relief efforts for the neighborhood. The university has set up the Carver Community Relief Fund which will provide assistance to residents. The Fund will be overseen by the Carver Civic Association and the Office of Community Programs.

Abernathy praised VCU President Eugene P. Trani, Ph.D., for offering to assist her community. "It's not something the university had to do, but since we're neighbors the gesture is truly wonderful," she said. "It shows how a true partnership works. One neighbor helping another."