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MEDIA ADVISORY

CAIR-TX: Houston Muslim Volunteers to Remove Debris from Elderly Woman's Home Ruined by Fire
Cleanup is part of year-long volunteerism initiative by Muslim civil rights group

(HOUSTON, TX, January 30, 2014) -- On February 1, a group of Muslim volunteers organized by the Houston office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Texas (CAIR-TX) will remove debris surrounding the home of an elderly woman whose fifth ward home was destroyed by fire a week before Christmas.

WHAT: Muslim Volunteers to Remove Debris from Elderly Woman's Home Ruined by Fire
WHEN: Saturday, February 1, 2014, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
WHERE: 4612 Market Street, Houston, TX 77020
ONTACT: Ahmad Alaswad, CAIR-Texas Houston Outreach Coordinator, (713) 838-2247, (713) 484-9027, aalaswad@cair.com

This cleanup is the first of CAIR-Houston's monthly volunteer activities, which will take place throughout the city in the upcoming year. CAIR chapters nationwide are committed to encouraging community members to reach out to their neighbors and to make a positive contribution to the society through volunteerism.

The home of Annie Brown, an elderly fifth ward resident, was destroyed by an accidental fire on December 18, 2013. Her family was fortunate to escape without injury but is now waiting for the City to determine if and when the home will be demolished.

"As Muslims we are compelled to help our neighbors of all backgrounds," said Ahmed Alaswad, CAIR-TX Houston outreach coordinator. "This activity is not a religious endeavor, but one that expresses the Islamic requirement to help those in need."

Brown has been living with relatives since the fire. She is grateful all residents of the home survived without major injury, especially her youngest grandchild, a little girl who was so covered with soot when pulled from the burning home that she was almost unrecognizable.

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

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CONTACT: Ahmad Alaswad, CAIR-Texas Houston Outreach Coordinator, (713) 838-2247, (713) 484-9027, aalaswad@cair.com; CAIR-TX Houston Communications Coordinator Ruth Nasrullah, (713)838-2247 (office)/713-585-6314 (cell), rnasrullah@cair.com; CAIR-TX Houston Executive Director Mustafaa Carroll, (713)838-2247, mcarroll@cair.com

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