As residents began to be able to return home or transition to other temporary lodging arranged by government partners, the American Red Cross will be closing shelters tonight in West Philadelphia, Coatesville and Quakertown.
The Red Cross shelter at Norristown High School will remain open through the holiday weekend. Anyone who needs a place to stay should come to the high school, located at 1900 Eagle Drive in Norristown, Montgomery County. They can also call 1-800-RED CROSS for assistance.
Since Wednesday’s storm, the Red Cross has provided more than 150 overnight shelter stays in Southeastern Pennsylvania and served more than one thousand meals and snacks to those in need. This weekend, nearly 100 Red Cross disaster workers have been focused on providing safe shelter, food and comfort to people affected by the storm.
Red Cross teams are also working closely with local officials to help to assess the damage left behind and make plans for what support families may need in the coming days and weeks. In areas where people are cleaning up, the Red Cross has distributed hundreds of relief supplies, like mops, bleach, buckets and trash bags. That work will continue into the upcoming week.
Also this week, Red Cross disaster recovery caseworkers will be staffing a multi-agency resource center in Montgomery County. Recovering from a disaster can be a confusing process, and it’s not always easy for survivors to find the help they need. The resource center will bring community organizations involved in recovery efforts together in one location. At this site, people can learn about available services and programs to help them rebuild their lives.
The multi-agency resource center will be open at the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit located at 2 W. Lafayette Street in Norristown. Hours will be 12 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 8 and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, September 9. The Red Cross plans to offer casework, relief supplies and emotional support.
Families are struggling to cope with the devastation left behind by Ida. Every single donation will make a difference in someone’s life. To help people affected by Hurricane Ida, visit redcross.org, call 1-800- RED CROSS, or text the word IDA to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Below are some safety tips for families that may be cleaning up this weekend:
FLOOD CLEANUP SAFETY
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on Twitter at @RedCross.