DALLAS - As we continue to provide services for those affected by tornadoes on Oct. 20, 2019, the American Red Cross will deliver emergency financial assistance to households whose residences sustained major damage or were destroyed. Qualified households will be eligible for $450 to support emergency needs. Funds will be made available using Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT).
Heads of household are encouraged to visit an Assistance Center to complete their applications. Red Cross caseworkers will be available 9 am-5 pm, Saturday, Oct. 26-Monday, Oct. 28. The financial assistance application requires a valid phone number and/or an email address for processing.
Financial assistance will allow people to make their own decisions and prioritize what they need to start recovering. Funds can help families replace clothes or food, offset transportation costs or support other immediate needs. This financial support is in addition to the other services the Red Cross continues to provide, including cleaning supplies, food, health and mental health support, and spiritual care.
ASSISTANCE CENTERS LOCATIONS
The Red Cross is prepared to provide financial assistance to hundreds of households that sustained major damage or were destroyed when several tornados touched down in five counties across the region (Dallas, Collin, Panola, Harrison, Van Zandt), as determined by Red Cross disasters assessment teams.
Major damage is indicated by significant structural damage to a residence that requires extensive repairs. This may include substantial failure of the roof, walls or foundation. A residence that is destroyed is one that is a total loss or with damage so extensive that repair is not feasible.
To qualify for Red Cross emergency assistance, heads of household may be asked to verify their identity and residency. Documentation to validate identity can include U.S. or foreign passport, government issued driver’s license or ID, permanent resident card or consular identification. Documents to validate proof of residence can include a deed, a mortgage statement, a lease or rental agreement, on property letterhead, signed by landlord, a monthly utility bill or bank statement, dated between July 1, 2019 and October 20, 2019, or an official document such as mail from a child’s school or vehicle insurance card, dated between July 1, 2019 and October 20, 2019.
All Red Cross services, including financial assistance, are free and available to whoever needs it, regardless of citizenship or residency status, nationality, race, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, class or political opinions.
Regardless of whether a household qualifies for emergency financial assistance, other forms of Red Cross support are
available for everyone affected. This support includes cleaning supplies, food, health and mental health support, spiritual care and more. Call 2-1-1, visit www.211texas.org or visit redcrossdisasterresources.auntbertha.com to learn about other resources that may be available.
The Red Cross has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to fraud and will aggressively pursue fraudulent activities. If you are aware of fraud, please contact your local law enforcement or the Red Cross at disasterfraud@redcross.org or through our toll-free Concern Connection Line at 1-888-309-9679.
For more information, please visit www.redcross.org/northtexas or call 1-800-REDCROSS.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross 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 Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @RedCrossNTX.