After The Flames
Practical, hope-restoring and do-able.
Cold weather increases the chances of house fires. Here is what you can do for a family whose house goes up in flames to help them make it safely and comfortably through the immediate days following their loss:
1. New socks, underwear and clothing. But unless the fire survivor is someone close to you — like your sister — don’t buy clothes for them or give them your used shirts, sweaters and pants. It can be overwhelming to get loads of clothes in random sizes. Gifts cards really help here.
2. Toiletries. In the immediate aftermath of a fire, survivors need personal hygiene essentials. Toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, feminine products and headache medication. *Ask Towels for Tears to provide this.
3. Seasonal necessities. Is it rainy, snowy or bitter cold?
4. Healthy food. Steer clear of items that need refrigeration. Gift cards to grocery stores or restaurants help a lot.
5. Toys and books for the kids.
One thing to keep in mind: Donations, especially of large items such as appliances, electronics or furniture, can end up creating extra work for the overwhelmed fire survivors who have to sort through and figure out what to do with them or find a place to store them until they’re ready to move into temporary or new permanent housing.
*Towels for Tears steps in to provide toiletries with 24 hours and then provides essential personal, bed and bath necessities for everyone when the family moves into temporary or new permanent housing.
Special Highlight!
A heartfelt thank you to our corporate partner Power Home Remodeling for their awesome and generous donations of hygiene, bedding and bath items! Their annual Thanksgiving drive is a true testament of serving the community so many individuals and families in need will be blessed!
Did You Know?
Domestic violence survivors are a large percentage of the homeless population. Shelters designed specifically for them are overflowing. Staying in a homeless shelter can be one of their few options.
Domestic violence, primarily seen as violence perpetrated on women in relationships with men is deceiving. One in twenty domestic violence survivors are in same sex partner relationships. The pain inflicted is just as devastating.
There are resources in your area that are specifically designed to help domestic violence victims. Knowing where to send someone for help is critical.
You can lessen the financial burden of someone escaping domestic violence. How? Consider donating and providing basic self-care essentials so that the resources they receive can be applied where there are greater gaps and need.
If you know someone who is being affected by domestic violence - call the DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE at 1 (800) 799-SAFE (7233). There are resources to help.
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