by Dave Skutnik

The American Red Cross continues to work day and night to provide help and hope to people facing the difficult task of picking up the pieces after last week’s devasting flooding and tornadoes.

The Red Cross shelter at Norristown High School remains open in Montgomery County. Anyone who needs a place to stay should come to the high school, located at 1900 Eagle Drive in Norristown, Montgomery County.

Since last Wednesday’s storm, the Red Cross has provided more than 150 overnight shelter stays in Southeastern Pennsylvania and served more than 1,200 meals and snacks to those in need. Over the holiday weekend, more than 100 Red Cross disaster workers focused on providing safe shelter, food and comfort to people affected by the storm. The Red Cross has also distributed 700 relief supplies.

Red Cross teams also continue to work closely with local officials to help to assess the damage left behind and make plans for what support families may need in the coming days and weeks. This week, Red Cross disaster recovery caseworkers will be staffing two multi-agency resource centers in Chester and Montgomery counties.

Recovering from a disaster can be a confusing process, and it’s not always easy for survivors to find the help they need. These resource centers will bring community organizations involved in recovery efforts together in one location. At these sites, people can learn about available services and programs to help them rebuild their lives.

The Montgomery County multi-agency resource center will be open at the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit located at 2 W. Lafayette Street in Norristown. Hours will be 12 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 8 and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, September 9. The Red Cross plans to offer recovery assistance, distribute relief supplies and provide emotional support.

These same services will be available at the Chester County multi-agency resource center, which will be open at the United Sports Training Center located at 1426 Marshallton Road in Downingtown. Hours will be 12 to 7 p.m. both Wednesday, September 8 and Thursday, September 9.

Families are struggling to cope with the devastation left behind by Ida. Every single donation will make a difference in someone’s life. To help people affected by Hurricane Ida, visit redcross.org, call 1-800- RED CROSS, or text the word IDA to 90999 to make a $10 donation.