By Dave Skutnik

The American Red Cross and our partners are continuing to work around the clock in Southeastern Pennsylvania to provide help after the devastating flooding and tornadoes caused by Hurricane Ida on September 1.

Monday, the Red Cross was able to close the shelter that has been open for the past 10 days at Norristown High School. With the help of our partners, the eight remaining residents have transitioned into longer term housing as they continue to recover from this devastating storm. In total, the Red Cross provided 243 overnight stays in four shelters across the region.

More than 150 Red Cross disaster workers from all over the country have been supporting the local relief efforts by operating emergency shelters, providing comfort, serving thousands of meals and snacks, distributing thousands of critical relief supplies, helping families plan their next steps and supporting those who are grieving loved ones.

Last week, the Red Cross staff three resource centers in Philadelphia, Chester and Montgomery counties. There, more than 700 residents received disaster recovery support from the Red Cross.

Over the weekend, FEMA announced that individuals and business owners who sustained losses in Southeastern Pennsylvania can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362.

Families are still 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.

Financial donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from this disaster. From September 1 – 12 in Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties, the Red Cross has:

• Provided 243 overnight shelter stays
• Served more than 3,400 meals and snacks with partners
• Distributed more than 2,000 flood clean-up kits and other relief items
• Helped more than 700 people with disaster recovery support.