Red Cross personnel, as well as NYC partner agencies, are providing assistance to those affected by the crane collapse at a Reception Center at St. Peter’s Church. (Photo: Anita Salzberg)

Four days after a crane from a high-rise construction site collapsed on the East Side of Manhattan killing seven, destroying a townhouse and inflicting significant damage to surrounding buildings, Greater New York Chapter relief workers continue to provide compassionate aid to displaced residents and first responders.

At a New York City Reception Center at St. Peter's Church (619 Lexington Avenue at 54th Street), Red Cross client caseworkers are meeting with affected residents about eligibility for temporary shelter and food assistance, along with referrals to other community resources. Forty-seven families of 65 adults and 3 children have registered for Red Cross services and 20 families have been provided with emergency housing. Food and beverages have also been available at the Center.

Red Cross Health Services personnel at the Center are helping procure medical equipment and prescription medicines for those with emergency health needs. And trained Red Cross mental health workers are on the scene to counsel those in need of emotional support for stress-related issues.

Photo: Anita Salzberg

Between Saturday, March 15 and Tuesday evening, March 18, the Red Cross staffed an Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) at Second Avenue between 49th and 50th Streets, supplying close to 6,000 meals and snacks, as well as 2,500 bottles of water to first responders, construction workers and others involved in search-and-rescue operations and restoration of services.

Last evening, March 17, between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., 40 Red Cross volunteers, working alongside CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) volunteer responders, distributed water to residents of buildings without running water, who had been hauling water for from hydrants to their apartments for household use and drinking.

In all, 111 Red Cross relief workers: 61 volunteers, 18 employees and 32 partner group volunteers, including disaster-trained volunteers from three of the Chapter's Ready When the Time Comes program partners – Bloomberg, Credit Suisse and the Tzu Chi Foundation – have worked tirelessly since Saturday afternoon to help those affected by this tragedy.

And to date, the Chapter has spent close to $15,000 on relief efforts.

To learn more about eligibility for Red Cross services, affected residents may:

1. Call or visit 1-877-REDCROSS (1-877-733-2767) or www.nyredcross.org/cranecollapse  Hours: 24/7
   
2. Visit American Red Cross in Greater New York Chapter Headquarters at 520 West 49th Street at 10th Avenue     Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

To support the American Red Cross in Greater New York local Disaster Relief you can donate online or please send a check or money order to: 

The American Red Cross in Greater New York
PO Box 3864
Church Street Station
New York, NY 10008