North Dakota Volunteers Help Fire Victims Rebuild Lives

When fire destroys everything you own, volunteers in North Dakota are making sure families can rebuild for the long haul, not just survive the first few days.

North Dakota Lions Emergency Relief has been stepping up for fire victims in the Bismarck-Mandan area since 2019. Recent apartment fires at Alberta Heights and Kirkwood Park have brought the group's mission into sharp focus again.

The organization can help 150 people within 48 hours of a disaster, providing clothing, hygiene supplies, bedding and household basics. But coordinator Patty Barrette says getting through the first two days is only the beginning.

"Our goal is not to just get them through today and tomorrow," Barrette explains. "We want them to think long term. We want to try to help everyone get as close to normal as we can."

That means volunteers sit down with families weeks after the fire to talk about things they might not think about in crisis mode. What size underwear do your kids need? What about winter coats? The details that turn a temporary shelter into a real home again.

Many of the volunteers have been through disasters themselves or worked with families for years. They know what questions to ask when someone is still in shock.

The emotional toll on volunteers is real too. Barrette monitors her team carefully because they carry what she calls "residual trauma" from sitting with crying families who've lost everything.

The Ripple Effect

The community response has been so strong that the group temporarily stopped accepting clothing and household items. They're overflowing with physical donations, which shows how many people want to help when disaster strikes close to home.

But financial donations, gift cards and volunteers remain critical needs. The group runs entirely on volunteers and sends 100 percent of donations directly to families.

The real challenge comes after the first week, when news cameras leave and attention fades. Families are still rebuilding months later, still needing support when everyone else has moved on to the next story.

The organization welcomes anyone who can spare even one shift. They need drivers, sorters, intake coordinators and bilingual volunteers to help families who speak different languages navigate the recovery process.

These volunteers prove that recovery from disaster isn't a sprint but a marathon, and North Dakota communities are committed to running the whole race alongside their neighbors.

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