The couple came to Treasure House and said they’d been told we’d help people who were victims of the Squirrel Hill apartment disaster. They asked if we needed to see their driver’s license for proof of address. NOT NECESSARY!
We expressed our sympathies and how grateful we were that no one was injured or worse. As the young woman began to shop, I apologized to the guy for not having men’s clothing.
“Just take care of her,” he assured me.
They shared that they were staying with his parents – a common theme we’ve discovered with other fire disasters – those who had family or friends to stay with were the first to come for clothing.
They wanted – and needed – to share the grief of their loss. They had been hopeful that they could salvage something from their home because they were on the first floor. Other neighboring apartments were relatively unscathed. As they turned the corner toward their unit, they saw the wreckage. Their unit was above the electrical problem that supposedly started the fire. The apartment was unrecognizable.
Of course, they were grateful to be alive and that no one was hurt…BUT the immense loss of everything was overwhelming and almost incomprehensible!
They continued shopping and were exceedingly thankful for our generosity. Over and over again they expressed their gratitude, and we assured them that our doors are open to them over the next few months as they recognize more clothing needs. We also reminded them to spread the word to others affected by the fire.
That’s what YOU make possible for women in transition or crisis when you support our mission. Together we create a haven from life’s storms – and fires.
Our Doors Are OPEN!
