Zeinab has stopped by a couple times this week. The family is staying with a friend and they're working to get resettled. They're focused mainly on finding a nearby home with a yard, so Zeinab can continue to do her child care work.

Thank you to everyone who has made a difference here. Zeinab has said she's deeply touched by everyone's care. If you'd still like to help out, the need is real — I can collect and deliver your check to Zeinab Elmi. Please let me know.

In the intensity of the fire response and the initial shock of it all, many neighbors offered help. We struggled a little this morning with how best to do it. Here's what I know:

• There are things inside the house that they can salvage, but they'll need to find another place.
• For tonight and maybe a couple more nights the Red Cross has put them up in a hotel in Georgetown.
• They have Somali friends who are taking care of immediate clothing needs.
• A close Somali friend is keeping the kids for at least part of today until they're all in the hotel.
• Zeinab has some support coming from the Red Cross and from SEIU — Lisa Beaulaurier around the corner is her union rep through her child care work. A family support worker from the kids' elementary talked with Zeinab on the phone, so maybe there's some assistance from that quarter too.
• Ahmed is an instructional assistant at Franklin, so that income is steady. Zeinab's child care can't happen until she's established somewhere and relicensed.
• They're very hesitant to ask for anything. The girls' clothing needs are culturally specific. The best I can figure, cash is the best assistance we can offer — they're not asking, but I think there's plenty of room for offering.
• They need to find another place nearby to live: three bedrooms, no more than $1400/ month.

If you'd like to help, please moc.liamtoh|nalpttocs#em liame or call 329 5912. Thank you.