Bloom House Youth Services is in the final stage of its fire safety update and is asking the local community for assistance in getting to the finish line.
During an appearance on KVOE’s Talk of Emporia Friday, Bloom House Director Clara Corn stated the agency only needs a little over $50,000 to finish installing the new equipment, specifically its new sprinkler system. This follows the installation of new plumbing for the sprinkler system and alarm.
Corn says she is very confident they will reach this goal sooner than later noting the generosity of the local community which has already been showcased through significant donations for the first two waves of work.
Audio PlayerCorn says however individuals who want to support the update are welcome to do so. Whether that is through direct donations, events or fundraisers they welcome any and all help.
Audio PlayerThe fire safety upgrades are essential for Bloom House to continue serving unhoused and runaway youth locally as they are required for operation through both the Fire Marshall’s Office and the Department for Children and Families.
In addition to her call to action for the community Friday, Corn also shared some operational statistics with KVOE and its listeners from last year. In 2024, Corn says Bloom House had a total of 23 shelter stays, two of which needed repeat stays which was a decrease from 2023 which saw five repeat stays.
Corn credited assistance from the United Way of the Flint Hills for that decrease.
Audio PlayerCorn also noted that of the 23 stays at their facility 100 percent of exits were to non-homeless stable living situations. In addition to the shelter numbers, Corn says Bloom House’s drop-in center had 1,557 drop-in visits in 2024 and they facilitated 605 food pantry visits, 159 hygiene closet visits, 178 clothing closet visits and 42 laundry room visits.
For more information on Bloom House Youth Services or how you can support them, visit BloomHouseKS.org or find Bloom House on social media.
