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 devastating flooding and tornadoes.

Red Cross teams continue to work closely with local officials to help to assess the damage left behind and make plans for what support families may need. Today and tomorrow, 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 are 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 are 12 to 7 p.m. both Wednesday, September 8 and Thursday, September 9.

In addition, 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. Tuesday night, 21 people stayed at the shelter.

Since last Wednesday’s storm, the Red Cross has provided more than 180 overnight shelter stays in Southeastern Pennsylvania and served more than 1,300 meals and snacks to those in need. The Red Cross has also distributed some 750 relief supplies.

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.