WATFORD CITY, N.D. (July 13, 2018) – The emergency shelter in Watford City closed at the end of the day on Friday, July 13. After an extraordinary effort by McKenzie County officials, the American Red Cross and countless other community partners, all individuals in the shelter have found temporary or permanent housing.

“A recovery that can take weeks, has been done in a matter of days,” said Western North Dakota Chapter Executive Director Rob Stotz. “It truly shows the generosity and compassion of this community that’s come together to support their own.”

Since the tornado hit early Tuesday morning, the Red Cross and community partners have provided 94 overnight shelter stays, served 750 meals, and distributed 1,531 snacks and bottles of water. Twenty-four Red Cross disaster workers were deployed to Watford City this week.

Although the need for emergency shelter is coming to a close, residents are just starting their recovery process. Anyone affected by the tornado who is in need of Red Cross assistance, including disaster mental health support, can contact Regional Recovery Manager Katie Webster at katie.webster@redcross.org.

HOW TO HELP The American Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the public to perform its mission. You can help people affected by disasters like the Watford City tornado and countless other crises by making a donation to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Make a donation at redcross.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS. 

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossDakotas.