Albany, NY (July 3) 2:30 p.m.— The American Red Cross of Northeastern New York (ARCNENY) has given emergency aid to three families, representing six people, after a fire destroyed several apartments (as well as several local businesses) on 2nd Avenue in Troy this afternoon.

Disaster Action Team volunteers responded to the scene at approximately 12:30 p.m. after being contacted by local officials. Volunteers have worked with each family to provide free aid including temporary shelter (for two of the three families affected—a third family will be staying with relatives) and financial assistance for food and clothing.
Early this morning, Red Cross volunteers also provided temporary shelter and aid for food and clothing to seven people (six adults and one infant) left homeless after a fire on Thompson Street in Catskill.

In the coming days and weeks, Red Cross volunteers will continue to work with the residents affected by today’s fires to provide more aid if needed, and help each family develop a post-disaster plan to get started on the road to recovery.

About the American Red Cross of Northeastern New York
ARCNENY helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. Last year, nearly 1,100 residents of the Capital Region and surrounding areas were provided free, emergency assistance by ARCNENY after disasters such as fires, floods, and power outages. In addition, thousands were assisted by the Red Cross after the December 2008 ice storm; more than 700 victims received shelter with the Red Cross during that time.

The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money and blood from the American people to do its work. An average of 90 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. For more information about your local Red Cross, visit www.redcrossneny.org or call (518) 458-8111.