Red Cross Relief After Yonkers Fire

Yesterday evening Red Cross teams rushed to the scene of a devastating fire that engulfed multiple floors in a large six-story apartment building in Yonkers. The blaze forced approximately 150 residents from their homes.

Working in close coordination with the City of Yonkers and led by the Metro NY North Red Cross Chapter, our teams quickly opened a Reception Center at a local school (Roosevelt High School) to serve as a safe refuge for affected households. Available to the families at the Center: food, support and relief items. More than a dozen Red Cross staff were on hand, including health services and mental health volunteers, to offer comfort and care at an incredibly trying time for those impacted. Throughout the evening nearly two dozen residents came by the Reception Center which transitioned to a shelter overnight for those who needed a place to stay.

Today, the school remains open for residents from the severely-damaged building. Throughout the day Red Cross caseworkers are meeting one-on-one with residents to access their needs and to connect families to Red Cross and community resources. As of noon, approximately 40 residents have visited the school for services today. Additionally, meals, snacks and beverages are being served, with the help from local businesses who have donated food.

This work will continue as long as needed.

(photos: Kevin Suttlehan, American Red Cross)