Red Cross Responds to 2nd Apartment Fire within 3 Days

			Southern Missouri Region 1545 N. West Bypass Springfield MO 65803 417-832-9500 Ext. 107 Contact:  Nigel Holderby nigel.holderby@redcross.org

Red Cross Responds to 2^nd Apartment Fire within 3 Days

 

American Red Cross; Southern Missouri Region 6/20/12

 

The American Red Cross continues to provide for the emergency needs of individuals affected by the fire at Lakeshore Apartment complex in Springfield that happened Sunday, June 17. While still working to assist the 14 individuals affected by this personal disaster, 18 additional people have been affected by a second apartment fire. Yesterday afternoon Red Cross volunteers responded to The Old Plantation apartments in Ozark, Mo. to find several families in need of emergency assistance.

 

The response included canteening for the firefighters as well as casework volunteers who were able to open cases with the families to provide immediate monetary assistance for food, clothing and a temporary place to stay. Red Cross casework volunteers will continue service to these families, many with small children, for the next several days.

 

Follow up services will include assistance with information about recovery as the individuals work towards getting back into a long term housing situation and replacing lost documents. Many times the follow up may also include visits with a Red Cross mental health volunteer as the trauma of losing everything is overwhelming. Many times having a shoulder to lean on is much needed therapy.

 

The response from the American Red Cross is all a gift from you, the volunteers and donors in the community. Together, we are neighbors helping neighbors. You can help by making a donation today. Call your local Red Cross Disaster Service office at 1-866-206-0256 or donate online at www.redcross.org.

 

 

 

 

 

For additional information please contact Nigel Holderby: holderbyn@redcross-ozarks.org

 

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

 

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