At the American Red Cross, we offer our deepest thoughts and condolences to all affected by yesterday’s horrific fire in the Bronx. 

As part of our response to this tragedy, the most deadly NYC fire in over 30 years, Red Cross teams rushed to the scene to provide urgent support to our neighbors coping with unimaginable loss and grief. 

Working closely with local emergency management and other partners yesterday, we helped open a Reception Center at a nearby school where families could connect with Red Cross caseworkers to register for relief services as well as our trained mental health volunteers who were on hand to help residents cope with the trauma brought on by such a disaster. Throughout the afternoon and evening, our team members served 275 meals and snacks, and overnight we provided emergency assistance including housing in local hotels for 22 families (56 adults and 25 children). Additional families found lodging via families and friends as well as through community support. 

Today at Monroe College (Ustin Hall, 2375 Jerome Ave, Bronx, NY), our volunteers have been working one-on-one with residents at a Service Center set up by NYC Emergency Management. Our assistance includes food, health assistance, supplies and emotional support. We have also been registering additional households for lodging and connecting them with community resources. 

The Red Cross has also begun offering comfort, care and relief services to grieving families.

Red Cross assistance is available to anyone in need during times of emergency - regardless of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation or citizenship status. 

Our teams will continue supporting this community in the days and weeks to come.