Dear All 

Assalaamu alaikum (peace be upon you)

For the first time in 3 weeks since the tragic event of the Grenfell Tower Fire I am able to sit down and share with you my story on the ground of how we have been helping the victims and families from this traumatic and difficult time. 

In the last few weeks I have been working to provide support through the Grenfell Muslim Response Unit to ensure that some of your amazing and kind donations reach those in need.

As an aid worker on the frontline , where I have been since the day the fire took place, it is hard not to get emotional. I have tried to remain strong for the Grenfell Tower residents and families when with them, but, as soon as I close my front door, I have found myself sobbing and praying for these families.

In the immediate days after the tragedy, I was shocked at how little the Kensington & Chelsea council did to help and the inadequate response of the authorities to house these desperately traumatised people. That’s why a group of British Muslim charity workers and volunteers set up the Grenfell Muslim Emergency Response Unit to provide relief and assist those families in need.

These volunteers and charity workers have been working tirelessly to meet the needs of the families evacuated from the tower and around. Our efforts were far-ranging from providing emotional support at such a traumatic time to proving short term accommodation to hot meals. These helpers have been a lifeline for these victims and families - they are the real heroes in this tragic aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire. We have been able to get counselling and psycho-social support rapidly and engage with families swiftly and we will continue to provide help to victims.

In coming days I will update you all on how the funds will be spent, in the meantime your support and donations have helped us to support families bury their loved ones and I just pray for their strength to get through this tragic and difficult time. My heart and support goes out to these families - below is a list of the kind of support we have been able to provide due to your support:

- Provision of emergency cash grants families affected by the fire 
- Provision of supplies such as hot food, clothes and toiletries 
- Transport to and from funeral for the victims families 
- Burial services and bereavement support 

We will be working with the London Emergencies Trust to ensure that the long term needs of the families are met and I will update you further on how funds are spent. 

Thank you again for your overwhelming support for the families and victims affected, please do keep them in your prayers. 

Best Wishes

Lotifa