By Alana Mauger

Sometimes, a small fire can have a big impact. When an electrical box fire broke out at Courtyard Apartments at Riverview in North Philadelphia on June 23rd, the building’s fire suppression system did its job, and the flames were extinguished quickly.

But for the approximately 200 residents who call the building home, the situation was anything but easy. Utilities were cut, people were evacuated and those not staying with family or friends were bussed to Kensington Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) High School.

The high school gymnasium became home for 11 days as a shelter operated by the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region and the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management. Red Cross disaster workers, mostly volunteers, staffed the shelter 24 hours/day.

Weary but resilient, 88 residents were shuttled to the shelter the first night. Most were older adults. Many were medically fragile and required help moving around. Some spoke little or no English. Several required culturally specific food. And despite the extreme heat advisory in effect for our region, almost all were too cold.

Several warm blankets and slices of pizza later, residents began to settle in. By night two, half found other accommodations, leaving the shelter population to hover in the mid-40s for the remaining 10 days.

With the help of community partners, the shelter supported a total of 501 overnight stays, served 2,625 meals and provided approximately 1,650 snacks. In addition to these, residents had access to support services like interpretation, clothing, personal hygiene and comfort items, blankets, health services, spiritual care, emotional support and community referrals.

 Red Cross individual disaster care volunteers were crucial to ensuring the wellbeing of the vulnerable shelter population. Soon the work of our disaster health, mental health and spiritual care teams was supplemented by community LPNs, EMTs and social workers. Interpreters who spoke Cantonese and Vietnamese ensured residents understood the information being provided.

Operation partners included Philadelphia School District, Philadelphia Fire Department, Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS), Philadelphia Office of Homeless Services, SEPTA, Salvation Army and Animal Care and Control (ACCT) Philly.

The entire Kensington CAPA High School community went above and beyond just providing a physical space. The custodial and school safety staffs were attentive and helpful. Principal Patricia McDermott provided hooded sweatshirts, books, games and art supplies, and on several days, she personally worked on crafts with the residents. One evening, faculty member Shango-Jamal Lewis gave an impromptu vocal concert after dinner, including a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday” for one of the volunteers.

Nine days into the operation, residents Margaret Alston and Howard Bussy presented Red Cross disaster workers with a giant card signed by everyone, thanking them for their care and compassion. The next day, letters written by local elementary-aged students were delivered and hung on the wall.

Just before dinner on July 3rd, residents got some great news; power and utilities were restored to the apartment building, and they could return to their homes! Hugs were given and a few tears were shed as volunteers helped residents pack up their belongings and board the busses that would drive them home.

The Red Cross is grateful to everyone who came together to care for our new friends during their time of need.