The American Red Cross today continued its response to a multi-family fire that displaced more than 60 people Tuesday night in New London on Willets Avenue.
The Red Cross briefly operated a shelter on Tuesday night in partnership with the City of New London to accommodate residents of the apartment building displaced by the fire.
The peak population at the shelter was about 40 people, but most building residents were able to arrange alternate places to stay. The Red Cross provided temporary lodging to four people.
Twenty-one Red Cross volunteers worked throughout the night to assess clients’ individual situations and provide financial assistance for emergency clothing and food needs.
Today, the Red Cross was at the fire scene, continuing to meet with families affected by the fire and to provide financial assistance for emergency clothing and food needs, as well as emotional support. The Red Cross also provided hot beverages and snacks to families returning to the scene, as well as to firefighters and other officials working in the wake of the blaze. Approximately 10 Red Cross volunteers supported today’s work at the scene.
Sue Rochester-Bolen, Senior Director of Emergency Services for the Connecticut Chapter said the Red Cross would continue working with families and would likely meet with clients at the Chapter’s Waterford office. “We will continue working with families to make sure that their needs are met and that they are connected with other community resources,” Rochester-Bolen said.
American Red Cross disaster assistance is free of charge, a gift made possible by generous donations and the work of volunteers.
