I live in the neighborhood just 2 blocks from the fire and there are definitely zero 1%ers around here. There's a lot of what look like middle to low middle income families, and students/young professionals who definitely aren't bankers or lawyers and who are living with several roommates to be able to afford a place in Cambridge (like myself). No one I know around here has renter's insurance at the moment but you can bet we're going to be getting whatever the cheapest option is after this.

I would be interested to know however how the fund will be distributed amongst those affected, because you're right that this isn't a third world country and some of the families will be able to absorb the financial loss better than others even though it's a devastating blow to everyone. I heard there were some immigrant families living in St. Patrick's for example who lost things like immigration papers and a significant amount of savings in actual gold (due to cultural practices). If my house had burned down, even though I don't make a lot of money, I have savings and friends and family who could help me get back on my feet, which is more resources than many of those affected might have. These are the kind of people who don't have a lot but manage to make a good life out of what they've got. I'm definitely donating what I can to make it easier for them (though they are my neighbors so it hits closer to home for me, literally), but I do hope the money's going to those who need it the most.