Red Cross Responds and Assists Over 40 Park Jefferson Residents

     SOUTH BEND, IN - The American Red Cross, St. Joseph County Chapter, was on the scene of a 40 unit fire at Park Jefferson Apartments early Friday morning.  Of the 40 units, 33 were occupied with 23 completely destroyed and the remaining units suffering severe water damage and / or electrical outage according to reports from the South Bend Fire Department.  As of Friday afternoon, the local Red Cross had provided over $6,000 in immediate assistance including food, clothing and replacement medications; it is anticipated this amount will increase substantially as the relief and recovery efforts continue.  Individuals and organizations interested in providing assistance are encouraged to make a financial contribution.



    All Red Cross disaster services are provided free of charge.  The Red Cross relies on donations from the public and community to provide these services.  Donations are needed and may be made online at www.stjoe-redcross.org, www.redcross.org, over the phone at 1-800-RED-CROSS or by texting REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.  The community can assist those affected by fire, flood, tornadoes, as well as countless crises at home and around the world, by making a donation to American Red Cross Disaster Relief.  On the rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters.



     Approximately 18 Red Cross staff and volunteers handled 27 cases affecting over 40 residents of Park Jefferson.  Park Jefferson was able to relocate those affected by the fire to other apartments in the Park Jefferson and Castle Point complexes. 



     The Red Cross was assisted by several other organizations and business in the community, including St. Vincent de Paul, Logan, Evangel Heights Church, Burger King and Kroger.



     The Red Cross will continue to be on standby to provide additional assistance as needed.  Park Jefferson Apartment residents may contact the Red Cross 24 hours a day at 574.298.2284.



     For the latest information, visit www.stjoe-redcross.org, follow @RedCrossSB on Twitter or American Red Cross - South Bend on Facebook.