Disaster Shelter Being Moved Today to William “Hicks” Anderson Community Center

Wilmington, DE – June 2, 2006 – As residents from two apartment complexes move today into a new Red Cross disaster shelter at the William “Hicks” Anderson Community Center on 5th and Madison Streets, the Red Cross is projecting that the cost of the emergency services provided to these more than 200 people could reach $100,000. The residents of Crestview Apartments and Compton Towers, who have been staying at a Red Cross shelter at the Police Athletic League of Wilmington (PAL) Center, were displaced by two unrelated emergencies on Tuesday May 30th.

Mark Tinsman, Emergency Services Director of the American Red Cross of the Delmarva Peninsula, explained that the organization had already committed $15,000 to this disaster response in the first 2 days since the building fire and water emergencies. The estimated $100,000 total cost covers providing all Crestview residents with their immediate disaster-caused needs, including food, clothing and replacement of lost medications.. The cost also covers assisting the residents of Compton Towers with their immediate needs, following the water emergency at their apartment complex. Some Compton Towers residents continue to be accommodated at the Red Cross shelter while their apartments are being readied for their return.

Mr. Tinsman encouraged businesses and community members to donate generously to the Red Cross Local Disaster Relief Fund, which is set up to help all those involved in disaster situations in the state of Delaware and on the eastern shore of Maryland. He said, “As you can see from this week’s catastrophes, disasters can strike at any time and people are often left homeless with no prior warning. The Red Cross has a critical role to play in making sure that these unfortunate people have a safe place to stay, food and clothing, at the very least. They can also receive mental health counseling if necessary and help with their longer-term recovery needs from the Red Cross and a network of community partners.”

He noted that some Crestview Apartments residents had elected to make other housing arrangements and urged them to register with the Red Cross to determine their eligibility for financial assistance. They should register with the Red Cross at the PAL of Wilmington Center before 2pm today, Friday June 2nd. They can also call the Red Cross office at (302) 656-6620 during office hours, 8:30am-4:30pm, Monday to Friday for more information. Tomorrow Saturday June 3rd, they can register at the William “Hicks” Anderson Community Center, between 10am-6pm.