While the world learned the shocking news of the more than 1,500 deaths following the sinking of the ocean liner Titanic on April 15, 1912, the Red Cross Emergency Relief Committee swung into action. Through the collaboration of the Red Cross with other charities on both sides of the Atlantic, passengers and families of the deceased who were in need received not only immediate shelter, food and clothing but long-term financial support through various funds raised on their behalf.

"The Director and other representatives of the Red Cross Committee were present when the Carpathia landed its passengers. The office of the Committee was opened on the following morning in the Arcade of the Metropolitan Building, 1 Madison Avenue, equipped with telephone service, printed stationary, the necessary blank forms and record cards, and a staff of visitors and clerks supplied by the Association for Improving the Condition of the Poor, the United Hebrew Charities, the Charity Organization Society, and other societies…Within two days substantially all the survivors of the third cabin passengers had been visited and interviewed in their places of temporary shelter or at the Committee’s office so that very early necessary information was accurately obtained concerning their names and addresses, their physical condition and their losses of property and relatives."