05-20-2002

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ROBIN ERICKSON
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Monday, May 20, 2002
Red Cross Closes Overnight Shelter for Providence Fire Victims; All 33 Victims Expected to Meet With Caseworkers Today

American Red Cross of Rhode Island disaster volunteers have closed a temporary shelter, set up for the victims of a fire yesterday at 282 Manton Ave. in Providence.

Two of the six families evacuated from the blaze stayed at the shelter last night and received meals. There were four adults and seven children. The remaining victims spent the night with friends or family.

All of the victims are expected to meet with Red Cross caseworkers today. It is not yet been decided if the victims will return to the shelter or receive hotel accommodations tonight.

"Our Red Cross volunteers responded quickly and effectively --- we couldn't be more pleased with how the situation was handled," Elias Garcia, Director of Emergency Services for the Red Cross, said. "Many of those who staffed the shelter overnight were trainees --- this was their first disaster experience and they really got the job done."

The Red Cross was called to a second fire last evening at 107 Mineral Spring Ave. in Pawtucket. One adult and three children received clothing vouchers after the fire destroyed a bedroom.

These are the 60^th and 61^st fires, respectively, that the Rhode Island Red Cross has responded to in 2002.

In 2001, the American Red Cross of Rhode Island assisted 379 Rhode Island families, who were victims of fires, spending over $200,000.00 in emergency services.

The Red Cross typically spends $1,000 per family of four it assists. All Red Cross assistance is free. The Red Cross is not a government agency and relies on private donations to provide emergency assistance to Rhode Islanders in crisis.

© Copyright 2002-2004 American National Red Cross. All rights reserved.
American Red Cross of Rhode Island • 105 Gano Street :: PO Box 2496 • Providence, RI 02906
(401) 831-7700 • TOLL FREE 1-800-842-1122

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