The American Red Cross and Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management (OEM) opened a shelter at Kensington Creative and Performing Arts High School for residents displaced by a small electrical box fire that occured Monday evening, June 23rd at Courtyard Apartments at Riverview on the 1000 block of S. Fourth St. in Philadelphia. Power to the building was shut off, resulting in the evacuation of around 200 residents.

Red Cross and OEM operated the shelter for 11 days, from June 23 through July 3. On the evening of July 3, power and utlities were returned to the building, and residents were able to return to their homes.  

The Red Cross and OEM shelter supported a total of 501 overnight stays, served 2,625 meals and provided approximately 1,650 snacks along with our partners. In addition to these, we provided other support services, including intrepretation, clothing, personal hygiene and comfort items, blankets, health services, spiritual care and emotional support.

Operation partners include 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. 

Note: This information was updated daily between June 23-July 3, 2025.