Emergency Support for Students Impacted by the URG Fire

Updated May 30, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

The UC Riverside community expresses its heartfelt sorrow to those who have lost property or been displaced. UCR is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our students. We are currently conducting outreach to the affected students to ensure they have the support they need. 

Below are answers to many questions you may have. For immediate support, contact housingsupport@ucr.edu. 

For ongoing updates, check the Basic Needs website at basicneeds.ucr.edu or the UCR Instagram pages at @ucriversideofficial.

Emergency Housing Assistance

• What do I do if I have been displaced or lost access to my apartment due to the fire at the University Riverside Gardens apartments?

  UCR is working to provide potential housing options to UCR students who have been displaced by the University Riverside Gardens apartment fire. If you are currently enrolled as a UCR student, please complete the Emergency Housing Assistance Form to get assistance as soon as possible. A member of our team will follow up with you directly to coordinate support.

• Should I visit the UCR Housing Services office in person?

  No. Please do not visit UCR campus housing before completing the intake form. Someone from housing will contact you to discuss housing options and additional instructions. 

• What if I'm a Riverside Community College District student. Can UCR help me?

  UCR and RCCD are working together to assist RCCD students directly impacted by the fire at the University Riverside Gardens apartments. Please complete the Emergency Housing Assistance Form so UCR and RCCD can assist you.

• If I am an impacted resident, can you assist my roommate, partner, or dependents who lived with me?

  Please include this information on your Emergency Housing Assistance Form . We will work with you on a case-by-case basis to support you and your loved ones.

• Can I bring my pet?

  Please include this information on your intake form. Pets are accommodated on a case-by-case basis, and the standard documentation requirements for emotional support animals will be considered. Please indicate your pet's size and needs on the intake form so our team can coordinate the right placement.

University Riverside Gardens Resident Questions

• Who do I contact about my lease, my belongings, or my building?

  For questions about your lease, security deposit, recovery of personal property, building access, or any communications from your apartment management, please contact DW Investments (the University Riverside Gardens management company) directly at info@urgliving.com.

• What about renter's insurance and replacement of my belongings?

  If you have renter's insurance, you should contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to begin a claim. 

Academic Assistance

• Finals are coming up and I need assistance replacing textbooks, making arrangements, or communicating with my professors. Who do I contact?

  We know this is a difficult time and UCR is here to help. The UCR Provost has reached out to Deans and faculty to encourage flexibility for impacted students. Options may include rescheduled exams, alternate assignments, or incomplete grades where appropriate. 

  UCR Case Management can assist you with navigating this difficult time to assist with academic support needs. Email casemanager@ucr.edu for further assistance. 

• I lost my laptop in the fire, can I get a replacement device?

  UCR ITS has laptops available for students to check out at the following locations: Rivera Library, Orbach Library, and the HUB first-floor lobby.

   Visit its.ucr.edu/laptopkiosks to begin the checkout process. BearHelp support is also available in Rivera and Orbach between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday and between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Sunday to assist students with technology needs.

• I am an international student who was impacted by the fire and need assistance, including with replacement documentation. What assistance, if any, may I get from UCR?

  International students can still receive support from the Basic Needs Department by completing the intake form. For additional assistance, contact the International Students Office at (951) 827-4113 or internationalaffairs@ucr.edu. 

• What do I do if I lost my cap and gown for graduation?

  If you lost your UCR graduation cap and gown in the fire, please contact the Basic Needs or Case Management teams who will assist you with replacing the items in time for commencement ceremonies.

• What if I need assistance with clothing and personal supplies?

  Please indicate your needs in the Emergency Housing Assistance Form and discuss them with Basic Needs and Housing team members once they contact you. We will do our best to support your needs through emergency assistance programs. 

Legal Assistance

• What if I need legal assistance? Will UCR help me?

  UCR is exploring potential options to assist UCR students in this area. At this time, the following options are available for anyone seeking legal guidance and assistance. Please note that the resources listed below are for informational purposes only and does not constitute or imply endorsement or recommendation by UCR. 

  • Riverside Legal Aid: Offers legal services for tenants. Call 951-682-7968 or visit them online at riversidelegalaid.org/unsafe-housing-tenant-rights.
     
  • Inland Counties Legal Services: Provides legal support for people with limited resources, disabilities, or who are age 60 or over. Information can be found at inlandlegal.org or by calling their Intake Line at 888-245-4257.
     
  • Riverside County Bar Association: Offers a lawyer referral service that can be accessed at riversidecountybar.com/public-services/lawyer-referral-service or by calling (951-682-7520). The initial consultation charge is $40. 
     
  • Inland Empire Latino Lawyers Association, Inc. (IELLA): Offers free consultations and legal aid services that provides limited-scope services for eligible clients. IELLA does not file court documents for clients and does not offer in-court representation for clients. More information can be found at this iellaaid.org/free-legal-consultations or by calling 951-369-3009.
     
  • California State Bar: For additional legal resources after a disaster, including tips and links to other agencies visit their link at calbar.ca.gov/public/legal-resources/legal-help-after-disaster. 

For Community Members Who Want to Help

• How can I donate to support affected students?

  We deeply appreciate your interest in helping students impacted by this devastating event. If you would like to provide financial support, you can make donations to the UCR Student Support Emergency Fund: 

  https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/48303/donations/new?designation=studentsupportemergencyfund

Important UCR Contacts

• Basic Needs Department: If you’ve been impacted or displaced by the University Riverside Gardens apartments fire, call (951) 827-3663 or email housingsupport@ucr.edu for immediate assistance. 

• Counseling & Psychological Services: We know these circumstances may have caused distress. Emotional and mental health support is available 24 hours a day through UCR Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). Call (951) 827-5531 for free, confidential assistance from a licensed counselor.

• Dean of Students: The UCR Dean of Student is here to assist all students. You can reach us at 951-827-6095 or deanofstudents@ucr.edu.

• Police Department: If you have a life-threatening emergency, call or text 911. If you have an emergency on the UCR campus, call UCR Police & Campus Safety at (951) 827-5222.
   

For additional resources, download and refer to the UCR SAFE App.