Red Cross provides local disaster aid

Van Wert independent/Red Cross information

The American Red Cross Northwest Ohio Region has provided assistance to hundreds of local families following the tornadoes and storms that struck the community Sunday evening. Red Cross staff and volunteers are on the ground providing meals, emotional support, connection to community resources, and much more.

The Red Cross continues to provide assistance to families in the Cloverdale community. It is estimated that 137 people are without power and water in that community at this time. More than 230 meals were provided Monday and will continue throughout Tuesday as the need arises. A shelter was opened late Sunday evening for those affected by the storm at Oak Haven Residential Center in Cloverdale. It will remain on standby until power has been restored.

The Red Cross also opened a shelter Monday at 7 p.m. at CedarCreek Church in Perrysburg. Eight people stayed overnight and received meals, refreshments, and comfort kits. The shelter is on standby until power is restored and may reopen if the need arises.

Fifty people in the communities of Jerry City, North Baltimore, Oregon, Perrysburg, and Perrysburg Township have received Red Cross assistance, including 25 adults and 25 children. Immediate Red Cross assistance is based on an individual’s needs and typically includes food, clothing, comfort kits, medical or prescription assistance, emotional support and temporary shelter.

Hope Community Church in Oregon is opening a warming center Tuesday and today for those affected by the storm and power outage. People can stop by between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Refreshments will be provided.

Recovering from a disaster takes time. Red Cross workers are on the ground now providing relief and will be on the ground for weeks to come helping people get back on their feet. In the days ahead, Red Cross workers will support families who need some extra help with recovering to make individual plans, fill out paperwork, and connect them to other services to support recovery efforts. The Red Cross is also coordinating closely with partners, including the Salvation Army, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Goodwill, and area churches to provide help and support long term recovery efforts.

Area residents can help people affected by disasters big and small by making a gift to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Financial gifts enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters. Visit redcross.org or call 800.RED.CROSS. Contributions may also be sent to the local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.