2/19/97

ATHENS, Ohio -- Ohio University and Red Cross officials are working with a landlord to relocate nine Ohio University students left homeless after a fire swept through a duplex at 80 Mill St. early today.

Two students were treated for minor injuries at O'Bleness Memorial Hospital and released, according to Ohio University Dean of Students Joel Rudy. Six students have been relocated temporarily to the Amerihost Inn and the others are staying with friends, according to Rudy, who was called to the scene at 4:30 a.m.

"We are identifying possible alternative housing on the campus, including meal tickets if that is what they want," Rudy said. "We are making arrangements with the university Counseling Center to be of assistance to anyone affected by the fire."

Ohio University students Becky Ondrus and Mark Schulte are Red Cross liaisons working with the nine students to determine their needs, Rudy said.

"We want to know everyone who lived in the house and what their personal needs are," said Sandra Shirey, executive director of the Athens County chapter of the American Red Cross.

The Red Cross may provide the students with clothing, food, shelter, medicine and books, depending on their needs, Shirey said.

Duplex owner Jim Bloom has been helpful in providing storage space for salvaged belongings and in helping to relocate the students, according to Rudy.

"Our first concern is that the kids get relocated, then we'll deal with the building," Bloom said. "There is substantial damage. It's uninhabitable."