As we transition through the closing of the shelter, the Red Cross will continue to work with partners to do everything we can to connect people with the resources they need for recovery
Now in its second week of providing disaster relief for thousands of residents impacted by tornadoes and storms in Southwest Georgia, the American Red Cross continues to meet immediate needs while helping families and communities through the recovery process.
With power restored in most areas and clean-up well underway, the Red Cross shelter at the Albany Civic Center (100 W. Oglethorpe Blvd.) has seen a drop in residents. The shelter will close by end of day on Thursday, February 2, and the generously donated space will transition back to the City.
Red Cross caseworkers are meeting one-on-one with clients who are still at the shelter and are coordinating with community partners to ensure that all residents have a recovery plan in place. Red Cross support to the community will continue through casework and mobile outreach in hard-hit areas. Impacted residents in need of help are encouraged to attend the Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC), a “one-stop shop” for survivors of the disaster.
The MARC will be located at 2602 Dawson Road in Albany from February 2-4. Updated times are:
Thurs. & Fri. 9am – 7pm; Sat. 9am – 5pm
Trained English and Spanish-speaking caseworkers will be available at the MARC to help people create personal recovery plans, navigate paperwork, and locate assistance for their specific disaster-caused needs, such as replacement medications, groceries and other items.
Representatives from multiple disaster relief organizations will also be on hand at the MARC to assist disaster survivors. Partner agencies will include the Salvation Army, Tzu Chi, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Economic Development Authority, Church of the Brethren and more.
There will also be agencies that can help with those who need long-term recovery assistance such as rebuilding and repairing of homes. Individuals and families can meet with agencies for referrals or other long-term recovery services if your family is not eligible for government assistance or if that assistance is inadequate to meet your needs.
Individuals and families applying for assistance are required to bring identification showing address and proof of residence to be eligible for assistance from some agencies. Childcare and snacks will be provided.
“As we transition through the closing of the shelter, the Red Cross will continue to work with partners to do everything we can to connect people with the resources they need for recovery,” said Chris Baker, Red Cross Disaster Officer for Georgia.
In response to the tornadoes to date, 517 Red Cross disaster workers and 15 Emergency Response Vehicles have helped to:
Disasters like the recent tornadoes in Southwest Georgia create more needs than any one organization can meet on its own. “The Red Cross is grateful to the entire response community – government agencies, other non-profit groups, faith-based organizations, area businesses and others who came together to coordinate emergency relief efforts in South Georgia,” said Chris Baker, Red Cross Disaster Officer for Georgia.