Red Cross Continues Storm Relief Efforts

EAST TEXAS — Over the past few days, the American Red Cross has completed the emergency phase of the East Texas tornado and flood response and has ramped up its beginning of the recovery phase. According to a news release, to date, Red Cross has identified well over 100 damaged homes which are unlivable at this time with another 200 affected in some way. After making sure that everyone had a safe place to stay, Red Cross teams closed the temporary emergency shelter in Lindale on Tuesday.

Red Cross caseworkers are meeting individually with affected families and providing financial assistance for families who can’t live in their homes at this time. During this recovery phase, Red Cross caseworkers gather important information from each family to help them build an individual recovery plan, and importantly, they also provide referrals to other organizations who can provide different types of aid.

The Red Cross Service Center at Summit Heights Fellowship, 2340 S. FM 2869, Hawkins, will remain open Thursday from 3 – 8 pm. Outreach teams will continue to be available in all affected counties. Red Cross plans to be available to help everyone affected start their road to recovery. Anyone not impacted by severe weather can help their fellow East Texans recover by visiting http://www.redcross.org/donate and selecting “Texas Floods and Tornadoes”.