Houston, TX, August 26, 2017 — Mayor Sylvester Turner has asked the American Red Cross to open a shelter to ensure the safety of those in the community facing widespread damage due to Hurricane Harvey.

“Opening a shelter for Houstonians is the next step in calm care for our city as we face the prospect of several days of heavy rain,” Mayor Sylvester Turner said. “We want to assure people who live in flood prone areas, as well our most vulnerable residents, that resources will be available if they need them. With the experience of the American Red Cross on our side, we will continue to muster every available resource to protect all residents as much as possible from this very unpredictable threat.”

The shelter now open:

M.O. Campbell Education Center

1865 Aldine Bender Rd.

Houston, Texas 77032

“We are in complete agreement with the Mayor and share the same commitment to the safety of our citizens,” said David Brady, Regional Chief Executive Officer, American Red Cross of the Texas Gulf Coast. “We will continue working with the City to ensure all citizens receive food, shelter and comfort in the wake of this horrific storm.”

Another shelter will be open shortly at a sight to be determined jointly by the City of Houston and the Red Cross.

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About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross, a United Way Agency, shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross