Ways to help: Opportunities to assist fire victims

Resource Centers for Victims:

• An emergency information hotline has been established at 512-754-2291.
• Residents displaced by the fire may go to the San Marcos Activity Center, 501 E. Hopkins St. Local American Red Cross volunteers are helping victims access shelter, food and emotional assistance. Monetary donations are welcome at Red Cross's website.
• The city of San Marcos will be hosting Resource Center for Iconic Village and Vintage Pad residents today and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the San Marcos Activity Center, 501 E Hopkins St. Various participating organizations will be on site to provide information on assistance programs available for residents.
• Westover Baptist Church, 1310 Advance Street, has established a family assistance center for people affected by the fire. 
• The San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter, 750 River Rd., has offered temporary homes to the pets of people displaced by the fire. 
• San Marcos Computers, 2020 Old Ranch Road 12, offered free data recovery and free labor for computer repairs for those whose computers were damaged in the fire. 
• Texas State University has announced several programs and funds that are available for students affected by the fire. Information was emailed to all Texas State students, faculty and staff and posted online. Students requiring assistance after hours can call the University Police Department non-emergency number at 512-245-2805; calls will be forwarded to a staff member from Student Emergency Services. 
• Texas State United Campus Ministry, 510 N Guadalupe St., has invited students to reach out if they have specific needs by emailing UCMtxstate@UCMtxstate.org. 

Making Donations:

• Monetary donations via Texas State can be made on Texas State's website, and donations through United Campus Ministry’s Emergency Need Fund are online as well. The ministry is also taking food donations.
• The Blanco River Regional Recovery Team is coordinating financial donations. Visit their website, click “Donate,” and enter the word “Iconic” in the comments. 
• Numerous GoFundMe campaigns have been started for individuals affected by the fire. Go to GoFundMe’s website and search for “San Marcos Apartment Fire.”
• The San Marcos Salvation Army is taking monetary and item donations at their office, 300 S CM Allen Pkwy #100. Monetary donations can also be made online.
• The Porch, 129 E. Hopkins St., has a donation box set up for anyone who would like to donate clothes, bedding, toiletries, etc.
• SCOPE at Texas State is collecting monetary donations for fire victims online.
• The Austin Disaster Network, that has a network of more than 175 area churches, is collecting funds to distribute gift cards, emergency housing and emergency transportation to the victims of the fire. The group said it is working closely with the county, Red Cross and BR3T. More information is available online and donations can be made to the general disaster relief fund.

Fundraising Events:

• Blue Dahlia Bistro, 107 E. Hopkins St., will be hosting a benefit with live music and a  silent auction on Wednesday, July 25 from 7 to 10 p.m. All proceeds will go to the Blanco River Regional Recovery Team.
• Dahlia Woods Gallery, 232 N. LBJ Dr., will be hosting a benefit on Friday, July 27  from 6 to 9 p.m.
• The SMTX Social Group is hosting an open mic fundraiser on July 28 from 7 to 10 p.m. at Gil’s Broiler, 328 N. LBJ Dr. There will be a raffle with donations from local businesses and Gil’s Broiler is providing $1 longnecks.
• SCOPE at Texas State will be hosting a benefit at United Campus Ministry, 510 N. Guadalupe St., on Aug. 1 from 6 to 9 p.m. For entry, bring a cash and/or an item that falls into one of these categories: Kitchen supplies, gift cards, new undergarments, toiletries, menstrual hygiene products, pet food & supplies, school supplies and nonperishable food items.
• The band Wezmer will be hosting a fundraising event Aug. 5 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Porch, 129 E. Hopkins St. Items or monetary donations can be made there.