Note: This story was originally published on Nov. 28, 2024 and was updated throughout the response.

On Wednesday, Nov. 27, Thanksgiving eve, disaster workers with the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region responded to a two-alarm fire on the 700 block of W. Lafayette St. in Norristown. A total of 10 homes were evacuated, displacing dozens of residents.

Along with our community partners, the Red Cross initially opened a reception center at Hancock Fire Company on W. Airy St. in Norristown. Thirty-nine people and two dogs made their way to the reception center, where they were provided with food, blankets and a place to rest and regroup.

Later that night, the reception center transitioned into a shelter at Blockton Middle School. SEPTA provided impacted families with transportation between the two sites. At the shelter, Red Cross disaster workers offered comfort and care – including a safe place to sleep, meals and snacks, hygiene items and other support services. To best meet the needs of those we were serving, the shelter moved to Norristown Area High School on Saturday morning.

The Red Cross and community partners supported a total of 33 overnight stays. Thanks to the generous support of Ebenezer Methodist Church, families and individuals displaced by the fire enjoyed a Thanksgiving meal on Thursday.

Our Red Cross recovery team worked to develop transition plans with the families staying in our shelter. With everyone having a place to continue the next stage of their recovery, the shelter closed on Sunday evening.

To help residents take their next steps, the Red Cross held a resource center on Monday, Dec. 2 at Hancock Fire Department. Here, our disaster workers were able to help 7 families – 39 people total. Afterward, our team to connect with the remaining families to ensure everyone has access to the resources they need to recover. In total, the Red Cross helped 12 families - 47 people. 

Help people affected by disasters like home fires and countless other crises by making a gift to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org/give to donate.