In the early hours of March 2, 2025, families raced out their homes as a fast-moving fire jumped from one home to several others on Woodside Avenue in Newark. At least 67 people in 24 families were displaced

The American Red Cross Disaster Action Team arrived on scene and worked alongside Newark officials to identify everyone displaced, encouraging them to gather onto two warm busses. It was determined quickly that a temporary shelter was needed to provide a warm haven for families, and a Red Cross Shelter Strike Team was activated.

Seventeen-year-old Karina and her mother Yashira were among those on the busses. Karina told a Red Cross volunteer she woke up when one of her family members pounded on her bedroom door.

“I don’t even remember who it was, I was so groggy. They told me the house next to us was on fire. There was no time - I put on long pants and grabbed Snowball and got out of there,” she explained. “There were so many firetrucks outside. It was crazy.”

Among the families brought to the shelter, were at least nine family pets. While volunteers began meeting with families to identify their needs, they also identified needed supplies for the various dogs and Snowball the bunny. The team brought in crates, pet food, water bowls, leashes and more to make the pets as comfortable as possible.

In addition to Red Cross shelter volunteers, a Disaster Health Services volunteer was on hand to assist with any medical needs. Recognizing that many of the displaced people were having difficulty coping with the traumatic experience and loss, Disaster Mental Health and Spiritual Care volunteers were also available at the shelter to bring added comfort and help for those affected.

The Red Cross provided breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks to families who sought refuge at the shelter during the two days it was open. While many families were able to stay with family and friends, two families, including several pets, stayed overnight on Sunday. The next day, Red Cross volunteer caseworkers met with 23 families and provided emergency Red Cross financial assistance for things like food, clothing and other immediate needs. Families were given referrals to additional organizations that could lend a hand in the recovery process. As families identified places they could relocate to, the shelter was closed on Monday evening.

Red Cross Spiritual Care Volunteer Charles Mitchel, who drove up from Central New Jersey was happy to help. A relatively new volunteer, Charlie said, 

“This was my first time at a Red Cross shelter helping people in person, and I was happy to be here to help so many.”