At the end of September, a fifth apartment opened to provide housing for firefighters receiving cancer treatment in the Houston Medical Center. The Texas State Association of Firefighters will pay the lease for this apartment for two years. Mattress Firm in Houston has donated two twin bed mattress sets for the new apartment. A registry is listed at Target with a shipping address to Dianne Gebhard, Ambassador. Dianne is the wife of Past District Governor Bob Gebhard and is the contact person for firefighters to reserve their stays. The mission of the Rotary Fire Fighters Home (RFFH) is 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). Firefighters 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. Both professional and volunteer firefighters may apply. There are no other restrictions based on gender, age, religion, national origin, financial status or language. Nor are there any restrictions as to residence. 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. We are currently leasing apartments at The Maroneal Apartments Complex (2222 Maroneal St., Houston TX 77030) located near the Texas Medical Center (5 minutes drive from apartment)!
Our club made a donation to provide kitchen supplies such as pots and pans needed to outfit this new apartment.