American Red Cross assisting storm victims with transition

ALBANY — The American Red Cross is in its second week of providing emergency assistance to those impacted by the Jan. 2 storms while helping families and communities through the recovery process, and is beginning to transition people into the next step.

Due to power being restored in most areas and with clean-up now well under way, the last remaining Red Cross shelter at the Albany Civic Center has seen a steady drop in residents. In light of that, the shelter will close Friday and the donated space will transition back to the city.

Red Cross caseworkers met one-on-one with individuals still at the shelter Thursday and are coordinating with community partners to ensure all residents have a recovery plan in place.

Meanwhile, Red Cross casework teams are reaching into the community to residents whose homes have been destroyed or severely damaged and did not stay in a Red Cross shelter. Those who receive an outreach contact are encouraged to make an appointment to meet with a Red Cross caseworker.

Red Cross is working in partnership with the United Way of Southwest Georgia 211 system to assist affected residents by connecting them to help and recovery services within the community. Affected residents are asked to call the Red Cross or the United Way 211 Referral Service for help by dialing either 211 or (229) 888-6126.

“As we gradually transition operations this week to the Red Cross of Southwest Georgia team, I want to assure all those impacted that we are still there for them in their local community,” said Shawn McCorry, director of the storm relief effort for the Red Cross. “The Red Cross will continue to work with partners and do everything we can to connect people with the resources they need for recovery.”

The Red Cross can be reached at (229) 436-4845. The casework consultation center, at 500 Pine Ave., Suite 104, will be open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through Saturday.

In response to the storm, 123 Red Cross disaster workers and five Emergency Response Vehicles have helped to operate and support two shelters providing refuge for 169 people, serve more than 9,300 meals and 9,200 snacks in shelters and through mobile outreach and support from community partners, distribute more than 1,500 clean-up kits and bulk supplies and make more than 900 health and mental health contacts.

“The Red Cross is grateful to the entire response community – government agencies, other non-profit groups, faith-based organizations, area businesses and others who came together to coordinate emergency relief efforts in Albany and surrounding communities,” said McCorry.

Disasters nationwide are compounding a blood shortage. Potential donors are encouraged to make an appointment to donate by using the Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). There is currently an emergency need for blood and platelet donors of all types.

Those wishing to make a monetary donation can visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999. Donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters.

The Red Cross of Southwest Georgia can be found at facebook.com/ARCSWGA/