Isodore's Family Survive & Thrive
Donation protected
On Wednesday, January 13 NBC news reported a fire that destroyed a 40 unit apartment building in Silver Spring, MD that was home to over 100 people - most of whom were recent immigrants to this country. That news was absolutely devastating because all of the residents lost everything! When some re-entered the building, the next day, they discovered that many of their meager personal belongings had been stolen!
I contacted Mark Brady, Public Information Officer at Prince George County Fire Department to ask for the name of one of the families to help.
Last week, I met with Isodore Palma who emigrated from Bangladesh two years ago with his wife and two teenage sons. He and his wife were teachers in Bangladesh andwere threatened with death. They were awarded asylum and settled in Silver Spring, MD. Isodore works part-time at the Cosmos Club and his wife Eva works at Subway. They travel by bus 1 hour each way to their jobs. His teenage sons are in school.
“Among the people displaced is a family who moved into the building from Bangladesh just two years ago. Isadore Palma returned to the charred building Thursday to try to salvage some of their belongings. He said they were too overwhelmed by the thought of having to start over. "We don't have anywhere to live," he said.”
They escaped the fire with only the clothes on their backs! As you can well imagine, they are fighting off depression and trying hard to be hopeful and look ahead.
The Red Cross gave them $500 but did not make any arrangements for emergency shelter. I spent a couple of days on the phone trying to find some place for Isodore and his family to stay. I called the Red Cross and was told that there were 7 fires last week and they are stretched beyond their resources. I called 5 other social service agencies - all emergency shelters are full. I did get the family approved for a food bank that they can go to once a month.
Isodore and his family are now sleeping on the floor of a neighbor’s one bedroom apartment. In spite of this horrible tragedy, Isodore continues to express gratitude that his family is alive and safe -- even though they have been in the same clothes for a week!
“The survivors thanked the firefighters and said they were proud to have immigrated to the United States.”
In the spirit of Ellen DeGeneres who everyday reminds us “to be kind to one another,” I would like to invite you to help me help Isodore Palma and his family rebuild their life in their new country.
He found a 1 bedroom apartment and needs $1500/month for rent. Please help me raise money for rent, food, clothes and the basics for Isodore, his wife Eva and their two sons, so that they can not only survive, but thrive in their new country! Know that they will be grateful to you for your generosity. I thank you for your good heart and kindness for Isodore!
I contacted Mark Brady, Public Information Officer at Prince George County Fire Department to ask for the name of one of the families to help.
Last week, I met with Isodore Palma who emigrated from Bangladesh two years ago with his wife and two teenage sons. He and his wife were teachers in Bangladesh andwere threatened with death. They were awarded asylum and settled in Silver Spring, MD. Isodore works part-time at the Cosmos Club and his wife Eva works at Subway. They travel by bus 1 hour each way to their jobs. His teenage sons are in school.
“Among the people displaced is a family who moved into the building from Bangladesh just two years ago. Isadore Palma returned to the charred building Thursday to try to salvage some of their belongings. He said they were too overwhelmed by the thought of having to start over. "We don't have anywhere to live," he said.”
They escaped the fire with only the clothes on their backs! As you can well imagine, they are fighting off depression and trying hard to be hopeful and look ahead.
The Red Cross gave them $500 but did not make any arrangements for emergency shelter. I spent a couple of days on the phone trying to find some place for Isodore and his family to stay. I called the Red Cross and was told that there were 7 fires last week and they are stretched beyond their resources. I called 5 other social service agencies - all emergency shelters are full. I did get the family approved for a food bank that they can go to once a month.
Isodore and his family are now sleeping on the floor of a neighbor’s one bedroom apartment. In spite of this horrible tragedy, Isodore continues to express gratitude that his family is alive and safe -- even though they have been in the same clothes for a week!
“The survivors thanked the firefighters and said they were proud to have immigrated to the United States.”
In the spirit of Ellen DeGeneres who everyday reminds us “to be kind to one another,” I would like to invite you to help me help Isodore Palma and his family rebuild their life in their new country.
He found a 1 bedroom apartment and needs $1500/month for rent. Please help me raise money for rent, food, clothes and the basics for Isodore, his wife Eva and their two sons, so that they can not only survive, but thrive in their new country! Know that they will be grateful to you for your generosity. I thank you for your good heart and kindness for Isodore!
Organizer and beneficiary
Barbara Ferris
Organizer
Washington D.C., DC
Ivan Palma
Beneficiary
