From Ashes to Comfort: The Thurman Family’s New Beginning

Kai and Mario Thurman lived with their 18-year-old daughter Jenna and nine-year- old son Mario in a home that had been in their family since 1973. Because it was a family home, they didn’t think about renter’s insurance… then their house caught fire.

The fire started somewhere in the kitchen, either with the stove or refrigerator, but the smoke damage to their belongings was extensive. They lost just about everything, including one of their dogs.

For a time, the family found themselves “house hopping,” either staying with relatives or at an Air B&B.

“It was a real hardship bouncing from place to place,” says Kai. “We really needed some normalcy in our lives.”

When they eventually got into their new home in June, things felt better… though they still didn’t have furniture.

“I would sit on the living room floor,” Kai says. “And even though I was thankful to have a place of our own, it didn’t feel like home yet.”

The Red Cross, which was helping the Thurmans recover from the fire, referred them to the Furniture Bank. They were able to get beds, living room furniture, three dressers and a dining set, as well as dishes, pots, pans, silverware and other housewares.

“I don’t take anything for granted anymore, even the small things. Being able to go to a home of your own just means so much.”

Kai and Mario’s family is one of more than 2,000 families the Furniture Bank will provide with beds and furniture this year. We hope you’ll help us with a year-end gift of support so we can help even more families like hers!