In the early morning hours on Wednesday, March 18, the American Red Cross was on scene of the fire at Red Rock Reserve affordable housing complex in Branchburg. Red Cross volunteers, working together with Branchburg officials, helped bring comfort and care to the more than 70 people displaced from the 24-unit building.

The residents were able to stay warm at a reception center before being placed in rooms in a local hotel thanks to the Township of Branchburg. On Thursday, Red Cross disaster volunteers were able to meet with affected families in the hotel lobby to provide emergency financial assistance to help with temporary lodging, food, clothing and other immediate needs.

To date, the Red Cross has provided assistance to 69 people in 21 families affected by the fire. Volunteer teams will meet with the additional three families once they are available to do so. The Red Cross helped with refilling lost medications and replacing medical equipment for several of the residents. Volunteers provided blankets and comfort kits, as well as meals and snacks, during the two days residents were at the hotel.

Since the early morning fire, many local and county nonprofits and other community organizations have stepped in offering food donations and other basic necessities like diapers and toiletries to help the young families displaced by the fire.

In addition, Red Cross caseworkers are reaching out to the families to provide guidance with recovery plans and offer any additional resources that may be available to them. Red Cross Disaster Health, Disaster Mental Health, and Spiritual Care Services are also available to the families.

HOW TO HELP

Help people affected by disasters big and small, whenever and wherever they occur across the country, by making a donation to Red Cross Disaster Relief at redcross.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).