Kingwood Rotarians proudly sponsored a table at the 5th Annual Texas Fire Fighters Home Gala at the Hilton Post Oak Galleria. This project was founded firefighters that are members of the Rotary Club of University Area Houston with a mission to provide short-term housing at little or no cost to firefighters and other first-responders while they are undergoing treatment at The Texas Medical Center (TMC).
Visit www.TexasFireFightersHome.org to learn more about this amazing project and how you can help as "a doer" (volunteer), "a donor" (funding or donation of materils), or "a door opener" (help the Texas Fire Fighters Home make connections and create partnerships)
They are currently leasing apartments at The Maroneal Apartments Complex which is located near the Texas Medical Center which is a 5-minutes drive from the apartments! Click to view photos of one of the apartments and amenities. First responders wanting to apply can use this "Lodging Application" to apply - Click here.
Rotarians volunteer to welcome the first responder when the first arrive in Houston, take them on a tour of the apartment and complex, then serve as their contacts during their stay. The purpose is to let the first responder and their family know that they are part of the Rotary family.
Fire fighters have occupational risks from exposure to toxins and hazardous chemicals. As a result, firefighters suffer illnesses, particularly cancers, at a statistically higher rate than the average population. Specialized treatment for these illnesses often requires an extended stay near the Texas Medical Center. The cost of hotels and short-time housing for patients and their families coming to Houston for such treatment can be crippling and health insurance usually does not cover lodging expenses.
The initial goal was to build a facility which had housing, plus resembled a fire station with a large common area where the first responders and families could relax, socialize and cook meals together much like firefighters do at their own fire stations. In the meantime, the five apartments will provide a homelike environment with they focus on beating cancer. Click here to watch a video about the future facility.
