The City of Houston has seen record heat these past few summers, and this one doesn't look to provide any relief for our seniors. Seniors are the most at risk from the heat during this time of the
year, and we're looking to help our many Meals on Wheels clients with no A/C or proper cooling systems in their homes.
We check in on our seniors daily when we deliver their meals; many of them are isolated from friends and family in their homes and have no means to go out and purchase fans on their own. As temperatures rise, please consider dropping off a box fan at Interfaith Ministries (3217 Montrose Blvd.) so we can distribute it to an area senior. Click here to order one from amazon.com and here to visit our in-kind donation board on Pinterest.
For more information, contact Denise Atkerson at datkerson@imgh.org or (713) 533-4922.
So did you expect that we would have a record-breaking heat wave this summer? The previous record, at 14 consecutive days, was broken last week and who knows where it will stop. I marvel at the tenacity of IM's staff. Through thick and thin they are out in this heat welcoming refugees and helping them find jobs, delivering meals to thousands of seniors every weekday and following up with case assessment visits. And they do more than just deliver a meal or welcome a stranger, they are checking up on their clients - with an attentive smile and an open heart.
So I want to give out a big THANK YOU to our dedicated staff who brave the heat to make sure that no senior goes hungry and that our refugees are "warmly" welcomed. It is hard work and I so appreciate their positive attitude even in these scorching temperatures.
While the extreme heat continues, more fans are needed for our elderly Meals on Wheels clients. Fans do not solve the problem, but they are an economical step in helping a bit. So if you are able, please consider dropping off a fan or two at our offices (3217 Montrose Blvd) or through our new wish list site here.
A THOUGHT TO PONDER
Things changed on a fateful day almost ten years ago. I was on a Southwest flight out of Dallas to Houston for an interview with the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston. Upon landing, we all learned that two airplanes had hit the Twin Towers.
It was a surreal day. I was interviewed with everyone's eyes on a TV that had been wheeled into the room. Somehow we made it through the process and since I could not catch the return flight, we all sat around watching the events unfold. As we became aware of the enormity of the tragedy, it was clear to all of us that a "new normal" was to come about.
That new normal led America into a series of wars, new security institutions and years of doubt.
Now ten years later, in just a few short weeks, there will be many community-wide events and certainly a lot of soul-searching. I have written a small prayer for us all, and it goes something like this:
I pray that men and women of all races, creeds and religion learn that we have the power to destroy and to build. May we understand that though it is easy to rationalize our power to destroy, it is more important to find the strength to build. If our highest aspiration is to reflect the Divine in the world, may we be taught how to love our brothers and sisters, and even those whom we do not know. Show us how to overcome anger and grief and turn our weapons into plowshares. May we be guided to build safe, healthy communities of respect, kindness and compassion. Help us to turn outward to find partners for peace.
My friends I hope that each of us use the memory of this terrible anniversary for good. Look for and participate in the many community activities that will be taking place (you will find a number of them on IM's webpage on the Community Calendar). Learn about a new coordinating body called Compassionate Houston that is being launched to recognize the many wonderful collaborative works being done throughout our city and region (you can visit www.compassionatehouston.org).
My guess is we will see more 9/11s in our lifetime. I also know that we will also see great outpourings of kindness when the next tsunami hits. We have a choice - we can bemoan the state of the world or we can choose to come together to help build a better world. I choose the latter. Join me, please.
This week, Houston has been hit with unusually frigid temperatures, rolling blackouts, and icy roads. Prepare and be safe inside and outside your home.
Even though space heaters are an easy alternative for warming up a room, they are also the main cause of home fires during the winter months. Here are a few pointers that can make all of the difference between staying warm, and becoming a victim of fire.
• Never use your stove or oven to heat your home.
• Never leave space heaters unattended.
• Keep all flammable materials at least three feet away from space heaters, fireplaces and stoves.
• Place your space heater on a hard, level, nonflammable surface.
• Keep children and pets away.
• Look for space heaters that shut off automatically if they fall over.
• Keep the fire in your fireplace by using a glass or metal screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs. Never leave fireplaces unattended.
• Be sure to have wood and coal stoves, fireplaces, chimneys and furnaces professionally inspected once a year.
Make it your goal to prepare ahead, install smoke alarms on every floor of your home. Check them once a month by pressing the test button and replace the batteries as necessary.
Finally, confirm that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly, and practice your home fire escape plan so every member of your family, including young children and pets, can get out quickly and safely.
