The American Red Cross continues to work around the clock to provide help to people in our region after Hurricane Ida brough devastating flooding and tornadoes two weeks ago.
More than 160 Red Cross disaster workers have been working locally on the relief effort here in Southeastern Pennsylvania so far. Many of the volunteers are local, but some have come from across the country to lend a hand in our region. To date, they’ve served more than 3,500 meals and snacks and distributed more than 2,000 flood clean-up kits and other relief items.
Last week, Red Cross disaster recovery caseworkers staffed multi-agency resource centers in Philadelphia as well as Chester and Montgomery counties. The resource centers brought community organizations involved in recovery efforts together in one location. At the sites, people learned about available services and programs to help them rebuild their lives. Dozens of Red Cross volunteers worked tirelessly to provide casework, relief supplies and emotional support to those who are struggling.
Red Cross teams have also been working closely with national, state and local officials to help assess the damage left behind, and making plans for what support families may still need. Red Cross damage assessment teams have determined that more than 900 homes either have major damage or were destroyed in Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties. The Red Cross is providing recovery support for more than 750 storm survivors so far, and that number is expected to grow in the days and weeks ahead.
Working with our partners, the Red Cross has been able to close the four shelters that were open in Southeastern Pennsylvania, placing residents into longer term housing solutions. But over the course of 13 days, the Red Cross did provide more than 250 overnight stays in shelters.
One of those shelter residents, 68-year-old Sheila Slifer of Perkasie, Bucks County, was evacuated from her home after chest-deep water filled her downstairs. She spent several nights at a Red Cross shelter. She’s grateful for the care and compassion of the Red Cross volunteers that were there with her.
“They are very nice people who fed us well and kept us informed and updated on everything that was going on. I’m so appreciative,” she said.
People like Sheila 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, reach out to your Red Cross relationship manager. People can also visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS, or text the word IDA to 90999 to make a $10 donation.