Red Cross helps residents of Harrison Point Apartments after major fire

Red Cross disaster volunteers and staff have been helping around-the-clock to meet the disaster-caused needs of residents displaced by the fire at the Harrison Point Apartments in Indianapolis on Thursday morning.

Workers are making sure that families have a place to stay, as well as providing food, clothing and other emergency assistance as needed. The fire displaced 28 families. Sixteen units were destroyed or had major damage; 12 units were without power and are inaccessible until power is restored.

Yesterday, four caseworkers met with residents at the complex leasing office. A bilingual Disaster Action Team member translated for several Spanish-speaking residents who needed Red Cross assistance. Trained Disaster Mental Health workers were also on hand to talk with those who needed a little emotional support during this trying time.

A member of the Marion County Disaster Action Team was on the scene in the evening to reach out to other affected residents when they came home from work.

Disaster caseworkers returned to the complex this morning to meet with residents again to provide additional assistance as new units were made available in the complex.

The American Red Cross of Greater Indianapolis is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year to respond to disasters and other emergencies. Since July 1, 2009, the Greater Indianapolis Red Cross has assisted more than 450 local families who have been affected by home fires. All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by the voluntary donations of time and money from the American people.

Help people affected by disasters by donating to the American Red Cross of Greater Indianapolis Local Disaster Relief Fund. Your gift enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of disaster. Contributions to the Greater Indianapolis Red Cross Local Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to the American Red Cross of Greater Indianapolis, 441 E. 10th St., Indianapolis, IN 46202-3388. Contributions can also be made by calling 317-684-1441. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.indyredcross.org.