When we hear the word “homeless,” we usually think of those who are chronically without permanent shelter because of mental illness, drug or alcohol addiction or some other debilitating condition that puts them out on the street.

That type of homelessness is certainly a serious — and growing — problem in Rowan County, the state and the nation. But many other people experience another kind of homelessness — the temporary homelessness that results from an accident or natural disaster or a sudden job loss. This type of homelessness often surges during the winter, often because of house fires. While it’s not as massive a problem as longterm homelessness, temporary homelessness is a real hardship for those affected, and it taxes the resources of community agencies that are the first line of aid for displaced families.

That’s why the Red Cross in Salisbury has put out a call for help from anyone who is able to make a donation for local disaster relief. With a surge in home fires during our extended cold spell, the organization has been scrambling to help several burned-out families find emergency shelter. Unfortunately, with another cold front already settling in and winter barely underway, it’s inevitable that fire departments will be answering more emergency calls — and so will the Red Cross, local churches and other organizations that try to provide temporary shelter and other resources for families left suddenly homeless.

This is a case where even small donations from individuals can make a big difference for people in your own community. If you can help, send a “local disaster” contribution to: American Red Cross, 1930 Jake Alexander Blvd. West, Salisbury, N.C. 28147.

If you can’t make a donation of money, there still may be a way to help. Other aid organizations such as Rowan Helping Ministries and the Salvation Army collect food and clothing for these families.

Even when it’s of short duration, homelessness is a traumatic experience for anyone. Unlike those who are chronically dispossessed, however, the temporarily homeless can usually get back on their feet relatively quickly — but they need a helping hand to do it.