Members of the community came together to help a Bahraini family of 13 that lost its home in a dramatic fire in Salmabad earlier this year.
Mas’uliyatuna or ‘Our Responsibility’, a group of Bahraini volunteers, worked with the Housing and Urban Planning as well as Social Development ministries to renovate the family’s apartment which was destroyed in a fire on January 17 this year. No deaths were reported.
“We worked with the ministries and the local MP Hasan Ebrahim to take care of the family in the immediate aftermath of the fire,” Our Responsibility founder Rayana Sayyar told the GDN.
“We took the family to the hospital and found temporary housing for them.
“Renovation of their apartment began a few weeks before Ramadan. The family’s elderly father also needed medication and a medical bed, which we were able to get, with contributions from the community.
“People also donated clothing and groceries to the family to help them through this crisis.”
The renovated kitchen
The volunteer group repainted the apartment, overhauled the kitchen, fixed the toilets and installed new air conditioners as part of the revamp.
Yesterday, the team released a video documenting their efforts, showcasing the renovated housing unit, which has four bedrooms for the family of 13.
In addition, the flat was refurnished, with new furniture purchased using funds raised from the community.
Workers install new air conditioners in the apartment
“We have successfully completed the renovation of the burnt home that was tragically damaged earlier this year, providing a safe and dignified space once again for a family of 13,” the group added in a statement.
“Through the unwavering support of our community, and in collaboration with the Housing Ministry, this house is now a home again. Thank you to everyone who contributed, shared, and stood by this family. Together, we turn hardship into hope.”
Mr Ebrahim thanked the Social Development Ministry and all generous donors for the support.
“Money was collected and we restored the place within six months,” he said.
He added that the support for the family wouldn’t end here. “This family is trying to regain its life and we will continue supporting them,” he added.
(Left) The fire that destroyed the apartment in January, (middle) The gutted apartment before the renovation, and (right) Fire aftermath
Our Responsibility provides temporary support to orphans and families and is dedicated to transforming their lives.
The team’s support system includes emotional and psychological help, academic sponsorship and tutoring, health and medical sponsorship, career and life skills development, legal advocacy, cultural enrichment and renovation projects.
Its previous projects have included building a garden and nine-bedroom apartment at an orphanage, as well as renovating and furnishing two homes for families in need.
naman@gdnmedia.bh
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