Community comes together for Safe Haven victims

Safe Haven Care Center officials say they have received considerable interest from members of the public who would like to donate clothes, personal items, and financial support to victims of the fire last weekend.

Safe Haven President and CEO Scott Burpee was pleased all 49 residents were safely evacuated. “What’s unfortunate is that most of the residents’ personal belongings and property were left behind and destroyed by the fire,” said Burpee. “In recent days, several organizations have stepped up with donations to help replace some of these basic items and needs for our residents, but more help is certainly welcome.”Specifically, Burpee voiced appreciation to the American Red Cross of Pocatello and Deseret Industries of Twin Falls.

The Veteran’s Home, at 1957 Alvin Ricken Drive in Pocatello, is serving as a drop-off point for people wishing to donate clothing items, blankets, and linens. A more detailed list of needs is available here.

First Baptist Church in Pocatello is handling any financial contributions on behalf of residents. Donated funds will be used solely to replace items residents lost in the fire. Donations may be made at the church’s website here.

“Sometimes efforts like this get lost in the aftermath of tragedy,” said Burpee. “But at the end of the day, lives were saved because staff and emergency responders performed bravely and efficiently under extreme conditions.”

He said the Safe Haven staff has been working nonstop to accommodate and acclimate residents who were transferred to other Safe Haven facilities.

The company’s future plans for the Pocatello facility are undetermined.

Burpee said it’s too soon to discuss future plans for the Pocatello facility and how best to serve a community that has a need for the types of services Safe Haven provides.

“The most important task at hand right now is making sure our residents are getting the care they need and deserve, and that we can take care of our employees. Obviously, in the days and weeks ahead we will evaluate what is in the best interests of the company and the patients we serve,” Burpee said.