From Shelter to Stability
Life After the Fire
Meet Mr. and Mrs. R., who recently experienced a disaster in their own lives and found new footing through the CARITAS Furniture Bank. After a terrible grease fire destroyed their home and left Mr. R. badly burned, Mrs. R and her young son had no other choice but to move into a temporary shelter, while Mr. R. lay in a hospital bed for 20 days.
The Red Cross, one of 22 agencies who refer clients to the Furniture Bank, provided some short-term relief and connected the R's with CARITAS. Mr. R. admitted that he had anticipated the "run-around" when it came to a charity providing furnishings; however, CARITAS met him with a pleasant surprise. Our staff was able to schedule the R's to come choose furniture and other household essentials in less than a week's time. Mr. R. and his son came and selected a mattress, a recliner, a table, chairs, other small furnishings and some kitchenware. In his thank you letter, Mr. R. expressed how "grateful and relieved" he was that they had found a place willing to provide furniture for their new home. At the CARITAS Furniture Bank, it is our biggest reward to serve clients such as the R's and to be one piece of the long period of reconstruction that lies ahead of them.