On July 14, 2025, torrential rains caused brooks and creeks in Central New Jersey to overflow and flood numerous towns. More than 200 homes in Central New Jersey sustained major damage or sadly, were destroyed due to the flash flooding. Immediately following the flooding, Red Cross disaster volunteers were out in flood-ravaged communities assessing the damage and providing emergency relief items like clean-up kits, food, and water to those coping with the flooding.

Three weeks later, American Red Cross volunteers continue to bring comfort and support to their neighbors.

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On Monday, Red Cross volunteers met with families in Union County who were impacted by the flooding. Sisters Sylvia and Sheila Slappy visited the Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) at the Charles and Anne School in Plainfield where they met with not just Red Cross caseworkers, but also other non-profit organizations, like the Salvation Army, United Way, Legal Services of New Jersey, Catholic Charities and Jewish Family Services. They also were assisted by volunteers who were loading Red Cross supplies like water, clean-up kits, and laundry detergent, along with shelf-stable food provided by the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, into residents’ vehicles.

_{“This is fantastic to have so many organizations here with resources for us. I really appreciate everything the Red Cross has done. Everything that’s here, everyone trying to help us is wonderful,” said Sylvia.}

It was the same sentiment expressed by those visiting the Union County MARC on Friday and the week prior at the MARC operating two days in Middlesex County.

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As of August 5, the Red Cross has provided emergency financial assistance to 125 families whose homes received major damage or were destroyed by the floods. Volunteers have distributed 3,000+ clean-up kits and other relief items to help more than 1,200 families. Volunteers have served nearly 7,800 meals and snacks. Immediately after the flooding, Red Cross shelter workers, along with community partners, provided 49 overnight shelter stays.

Learn more about Red Cross disaster relief and visit redcross.org/PrepareNJ to help you and loved ones prepare for the next storm.