AMHERST, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - The 250 Hampshire College faculty and staff members being laid off with the school’s closure now have support to turn to as they navigate next steps.

Nearly a week after that announcement, Hampshire staff and faculty are launching an effort to keep their colleagues afloat.

With the help of alumni and the community, the “Help Hampshire Workers Emergency Relief Fund” will be supporting those leaving the college without severance pay.

According to one professor, that would mean the entire staff.

In addition to fundraising, the effort is gathering employment leads, professional services and other job-placing resources.

Non-profit company Sundial Initiative is sponsoring the relief fund, allowing for donations to be tax-deductible.

The president and CEO of the Sundial Initiative is a Hampshire alum.

He, alongside organizers, are aiming to get the money in workers’ hands before their June 16 termination date.

In a statement, Joey Carey explained why he felt compelled to offer up his company’s support.

“As a Hampshire College alum, I know firsthand the importance of Hampshire’s approach to higher education and how the wider community supports one another in times of crisis,” Carey said.