Campus email announcement from UMBC leadership
We are deeply saddened by the devastation of historic Ellicott City following the severe flash flood Saturday night. Our thoughts are with all who suffered losses, especially those families who lost loved ones. Sadly, Joseph Blevins, a USM colleague who was director of financial aid at the University of Baltimore, was among those who died. Tragic events in our community such as this remind us that we are all connected.
Ellicott City is a part of us. Many members of our campus community live or work in the area, and many more regularly visit the town’s shops, restaurants, and historic properties. UMBC is committed to supporting this community as it begins its arduous cleanup efforts and looks to rebuild. We also see potential opportunities for campus experts to share their knowledge and resources to help address issues to reduce future flood risk to the area.
Due to the severity of conditions in downtown historic Ellicott City, officials have asked the public to stay away from the Main Street area while crews work to restore essential functions like water, sewer, gas, and power. For those interested in making donations to support the victims of this tragedy, Howard County has established several ways to direct support, including to the Ellicott City Historic District Partnership and through a dedicated fund with the American Red Cross. The Community Action Council of Howard County is handling all food donations. Community members interested in volunteering to aid in the cleanup and other activities should sign up through the county’s online volunteer form.
We know tragedies impact the campus community in different ways, and we remind everyone of support resources available on campus and elsewhere:
- UMBC Counseling Center: (410) 455-2472
- Howard County Crisis Hotline: (410) 531-6677
- American Psychological Association: Recovering emotionally from disaster
UMBC faculty, staff, and students directly impacted by the Ellicott City flood are encouraged to contact Student Affairs, (410) 455-2393, or Human Resources, (410) 455-2337, for additional resources and support.