Firefighters for Healing (FF4H) has been serving Minnesotans since 2010, when they began supporting burn trauma survivors and their families by providing funds to send children to a burn camp in Colorado. In 2023, FF4H received a $1.5 million grant through DEED to provide temporary housing for burn survivors, first responders and their families.

Leading up to that point, FF4H had established itself as a nonprofit in 2011, dedicated to meeting the physical, emotional and financial needs of burn survivors and their families as they recover. After five years of hard work, they established Camp Red in Crosslake, Minn. The camp is a four-day residential program for 6- to 16-year-olds who have survived burn trauma, where kids can build confidence and embrace life beyond their scars.

These patients "have unique challenges and often a very lengthy recovery. Their families are often displaced for weeks, if not months," said founder Jake LaFerriere, a burn survivor himself. To meet this need, FF4H initiated a project to create housing for survivors. Beginning with three apartments, they grew to five apartments, then seven apartments. Recognizing a quickly growing need, they broke ground on a dedicated Transitional Healing Center across the street from the Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) in 2021.

With the financial support through DEED, the Healing Center opened its doors in February of 2023, a first-of-its-kind facility for burn survivors from across the country. Now, FF4H acts as a transitional center for burn survivors, their families, firefighters and first responders. Twelve apartments have provided over 5,000 nights of accommodation to individuals and families in transition.

Upon arrival, families are given needed supplies: soap, toothpaste, other essentials and a Starbucks gift card, for a little bit of comfort as they work through tragedy. Families gather in common areas to support one another and share breakfast, snacks, holiday meals and games together.

FF4H's center has saved families more than $850,000 in lodging expenses since they opened. Future plans include expanded services to families and skyway access from FF4H to the HCMC. Visit Firefighters for Healing for more information.