Housing non-profit re|shelter awarded $13,500 in Safe Oasis housing renovation grants last week. Six grants of $2,000 each and one $1,500 grant were sent out to selected recipients who had applied to the program in August. Five of the recipients were homeless – living in cars and tents – at the time of application and two were living in toxic homes. Several of the recipients require around-the-clock care. Applications were reviewed by an independent panel of veteran housing activists from the chemical sensitivity community. Submissions were rated based on medical and financial need, as well as appropriateness of proposed solutions. Just one week later, and one of the homeless recipients was able to rent a safe apartment with the grant funds.

The Safe Oasis program was set up to help people create a safe space within their current home or trailer so they could get restorative sleep each night and halt the progression of the illness. Grant monies are required to be used for the purpose of creating a “safe oasis” through home and trailer renovations, air quality improvement appliances, environmental testing, security deposit and first month’s rent for new apartments, or towards the purchase of environmentally safer homes and trailers to be used as a primary residence. Re|shelter thanks all donors who have contributed funds since their inception in 2010, which enabled them to offer these grants. This is the first program of its kind, offering practical help to those at risk of being displaced by disabling environmental intolerances.

Re|shelter hopes to offer this program again if they are able to replenish the Safe Oasis Grant Fund. Click here to donate.