Ten students left homeless after a campus fire last week are getting a boost from the local community.

“It is hard enough going through school with studying, work, relationships ­­— let alone your house burning down,” said Chris Hudson, an employee at Eggfast restaurant on 12th Avenue. “Thinking ‘Where am I going to stay the night?’ should be the last thought on someone’s mind when going through school.”

The restaurant has taken donations for the students since Wednesday, raising $50 in the first two nights, and provided all of the students involved in the fire a free dinner on Friday.

All of the money donated from Eggfast will be given to former resident Jeff Hope by his roommates. Hope’s room and upstairs attic were completely destroyed by flames.

The fire, determined to be caused by faulty wiring, broke out in the 17th Avenue home last Monday morning and destroyed much of the home. The residents made it out of the burning house safely after a police officer next door smelled smoke. More than 45 firefighters worked to extinguish the flames.

Although an exact total for the damage is not available, Fire Battalion Chief Jerry Birkhimer estimated re-construction would cost $10,000.

“They are just moving on and trying to get a new life,” Hudson said. “I’m surprised more people have not joined in to help.”

Five men and five women, all college students, lived in the house.

The residents said they are thankful for all the support they have received.

“Our landlord gave us $50 in groceries apiece and has paid for us all to stay in hotels,” said Lauren Esposito, resident and third-year in pre-medicine. “Aveda [hair salon] gave all of us girls $25 gift cards each.”

This is especially good news for Abby Breneman, one of the residents and fourth-year in biology.

“Such a fun week I have had,” Breneman said, “I got a parking ticket, my car got backed into at a stop light and my house caught on fire.

Even with the week’s events, Breneman said she is thankful the fire was not worse.

The fire ignited from an electrical circuit in the bathroom ceiling fan and spread to the attic, Birkhimer said.

“To think about what could have happened is a scary thought,” Breneman said. “I thought someone was burning food so I ignored the smell at first, while three of my roommates were sleeping.”

Evelyn Curry said the fire would have been much worse had it taken place at night. Curry is a resident and a third-year in journalism.

“I don’t want to think about the fact that none of us heard the smoke alarms,” Breneman said. “The smoke would have probably kept everyone that was upstairs passed out. We are all trying to keep positive and are hoping for the best. Next week is a new week. We are so thankful to those who support us.”