Staff & Volunteers Provide Mental Health Counseling, Temporary Shelter, Food and Logistical Support

New York, NY, May 13, 2005…The American Red Cross in Greater New York (ARC/GNY) staff and volunteers provided emergency support including mental health counseling, temporary shelter, hot meals and logistical support to residents affected by the collapse of the retaining wall at West 181st Street and Riverside Drive in Manhattan on Thursday afternoon.

The Red Cross Disaster Action Team (DAT) arrived immediately with Emergency Response Vehicles (ERV) and quickly provided emergency assistance on-site where 77 affected individuals were registered for Red Cross assistance. A Reception Center was set up at PS 187 (349 Cabrini Boulevard) where clients were served hot meals and snacks. Three families were housed overnight.

Quick Facts:
• 77 people were registered for Red Cross services at the scene.
• 26 Red Cross disaster trained workers and volunteers including, damage assessment experts and family caseworkers provided support to those affected.
• 3 adults were placed in temporary housing.

Be Prepared…Families and individuals can learn simple safety steps to take before a disaster strikes by attending a FREE Red Cross Together We Prepare class. The 45-minute presentation teaches participants how to create an emergency communications plan, how to assemble a disaster supplies kit and what to do if disaster strikes. The class begins at 6:15 p.m. every Thursday at 150 Amsterdam Avenue (between 66th and 67th Streets). To register for services, call 1-877-REDCROSS or visit www.nyredcross.org.