After a NYE fire left longtime an UNAM San Antonio staffer and his family without a home, coworkers and the campus community are stepping up to help him rebuild.
SAN ANTONIO — For more than 80 years, UNAM San Antonio has served as a cultural and educational bridge between Mexico and the Alamo City. Now, the campus community is rallying behind one of its own after longtime staff member Jaime Amuchástegui lost his home in a New Year’s Eve fire.
Amuchástegui, who has worked at UNAM San Antonio for more than 15 years, was displaced along with his wife and three children after fireworks sparked a fire that severely damaged their home.
The family escaped unharmed but is now without a permanent place to live while repairs and insurance claims are underway.
“Jaime is more than a coworker—he’s family,” said Alfredo Ávalos, a member of UNAM San Antonio’s cultural office. “Anybody who has come to UNAM in the last 15 years knows him for how welcoming and generous he is.”
Ávalos said Amuchástegui is known across campus for his friendly demeanor and constant willingness to help, whether it’s assisting visitors, supporting events or stepping in wherever he is needed.
“He’s the person we all go to when we need something,” Ávalos said. “From setting up exhibits to welcoming people and helping with events, he’s everywhere and for everybody. I always say he’s our best public relations.”
The fire in the Helotes area occurred around midnight on New Year’s Eve during fireworks celebrations, according to Ávalos, who said that is what Amuchástegui believes caused the blaze. An investigation by the San Antonio Fire Department is ongoing.
“Sometimes bad things happen to good people,” Ávalos said. “This has been a really hard time for him and his family.”
While the family is currently staying with relatives, Ávalos said the time between the fire and receiving insurance assistance has been especially difficult. In response, UNAM San Antonio staff, students, faculty, and supporters have launched a fundraising campaign to help cover temporary housing, replace essential household items and meet basic needs.
“This is why we started this campaign, to help him in this moment of need,” Ávalos said. “We are embracing him as one of us, and we’re sure the San Antonio community will do the same.”
Ávalos added that the outpouring of support reflects the values UNAM San Antonio has promoted since opening its doors in San Antonio in 1944.
“Education and culture have been our mission here for more than 80 years,” Ávalos said. “And that sense of community—that’s very real.”
Ávalos said Amuchástegui has not yet returned to work as he focuses on his family and recovery but emphasized that he is not facing the situation alone.
“We just want Jaime to know that he’s surrounded by people who care,” Ávalos said. “We hope very soon he’ll be back on his feet and being the joyful, generous person he’s always been.”
Information on how to support Amuchástegui and his family is available here through UNAM San Antonio’s fundraising campaign.