Tri-County Red Cross Provides Shelter, Food and Clothing for 12 Elizabeth Families

ELIZABETH, NJ (May 20, 2009) - The Tri-County Red Cross provided shelter, clothing and food relief to 12 families who lost their homes to fire in Elizabeth, NJ yesterday.  The original call to the Red Cross was to assist three families, but as the scale of the disaster was realized the totals grew to 12 familes - 21 adults and 16 children left homeless. The fire occurred at about 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 19th.

"The disaster volunteers worked more than 10 hours assessing the situation, comforting the families so that everyone would have roofs over their heads, food in their stomachs and clothing on their backs," said Nathan Rudy, Tri-County Red Cross CEO.  "We're especially pleased that we were able to address all language issues and to ensure that the many children under four years old were quickly given safe and secure shelter in extremely tiring circumstances."

The direct disaster relief to the families totaled almost $10,000, significantly depleting the Tri-County Red Cross Disaster Fund as we head into hurricane season.  The Disaster Fund is completely supported by local individuals, businesses and organizations donations.

On average the Tri-County Red Cross responds to more than one disaster a week, with most disasters occurring in the winter when space heaters, candles and overloaded electrical outlets cause home fires.  Other local disasters the Red Cross responds to include flooding, structural collapses and man-made disasters.  Hundreds of families rely on the generosity of Red Cross donors and volunteers throughout the greater Union County area when they are displaced from their home annually.

Donors wishing to help replenish the Disaster Fund for future disasters can do so donating online at http://www.tricountyredcross.org/donate.shtml, or by calling (908) 756-6414 or using this button below.

The Tri-County Red Cross is also actively seeking new Disaster Action Team members in partnership with the Union County Office of Emergency Management.  Via a grant, the Red Cross is committed to training 500 to 750 new disaster volunteers by June 30, 2010.  If you are interested in receiving free disaster response training please contact Michael Prasad at prasadm@usa.redcross.org or (908) 756-6414.