American Red Cross assistance continues following tornadoes

ALBANY — One week into providing disaster relief for thousands of residents impacted by tornadoes in south Georgia, the American Red Cross continues to meet immediate emergency needs while helping families and communities through the recovery process.

With power restored in most areas and clean-up well under way, one Red Cross shelter at the Albany Civic Center remains open. Red Cross caseworkers are meeting one-on-one with individuals still at the shelter while coordinating with community partners to ensure all residents have a recovery plan in place.

“As we continue to provide critical relief to those affected by the tornadoes that hit South Georgia last week, the Red Cross is helping residents start the recovery process by connecting them to services and resources they need, including limited financial assistance for those who qualify,” officials with the Red Cross said in a news release.

Red Cross support to the community is expected to continue through mobile outreach in hard-hit areas, along with casework. Impacted residents in need of emergency help are urged to call the Red Cross office or call to make an appointment to meet one-on-one with a Red Cross caseworker.

As of Monday, in response to the tornadoes, 215 Red Cross disaster workers and 15 Emergency Response Vehicles have helped to:

— Operate and support four shelters for those impacted by the devastating storms;

— Provide a safe refuge for 106 people resulting in nearly 627 overnight stays in shelters, including cots, blankets, meals, personal hygiene kits, and health and emotional support;

— Serve more than 15,496 meals and 26,541 snacks in shelters and through mobile outreach with food preparation support from the Salvation Army, Second Harvest of South Georgia and other community partners;

— Distribute more than 10,025 bulk supplies such as rakes, shovels, work gloves and kitchen items in hard-hit areas;

— Conduct client casework for dozens of families, and make more than 1,760 health and mental health contacts to provide help and hope to those suffering.

People who may be eligible for Red Cross financial assistance should register by calling (229) 436-4845. For more information, follow the Red Cross on Facebook @ARCSWGA or visit redcross.org/georgia.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible through donations. Those who would like to help can make a donation by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999. Donors can designate their donation to the “Southern Tornadoes and Storms” relief efforts by choosing that option when donating.