American Red Cross Work to Vernonia Continues

During the last two weeks, the Red Cross provided 1,875 overnight stays, served more than 68,000 meals and snacks, and distributed about 15,700 items to residents in Oregon's flood-affected communities.

Vernonia Oregon's high school after floodwaters hit Courtesy: vernoniafloodinfo.blogspot.com/

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - After operating for nearly two weeks in Vernonia, Oregon, the American Red Cross will close the Cedar Ridge Camp shelter at noon on Monday, December 17th. Red Cross assistance will still be available to Vernonia residents by calling 1-866-GET-INFO.

"We've been very active in Vernonia since the floods began," said Thomas Bruner, CEO of the Oregon Trail Chapter of the Red Cross. "Just because this shelter is closing doesn't mean our help is over, and that's what we want to stress to the community."

Since the storms hit on December 2nd and 3rd, the Red Cross has been working around the clock to help affected families. An emergency shelter was set up at Cedar Ridge Camp where people could get a hot meal, a soft pillow and a dry place to sleep.

During the last two weeks, the Red Cross provided 1,875 overnight stays, served more than 68,000 meals and snacks, and distributed about 15,700 items including water, tarps, boots, raingear and other bulk items to residents throughout flood-affected communities.

To date, Red Cross caseworkers have served 680 clients, providing them with health services, emotional support and, in some cases, financial assistance.

"When disaster strikes, the mission of the Red Cross is to be there to help," said Bruner. "Making sure residents have food and shelter is the first step. As time goes on, we adapt how we assist people, moving from the immediate emergency phase to addressing long-term needs for families."

Vernonia ・Cedar Ridge Camp 18962 Keasey Road

The on site shelter closing Monday, Dec. 17th at noon

* Breakfast, lunch and dinner served through Sunday night (Dec. 16)

* Flood relief services are transitioning from the Cedar Ridge facility to mobile outreach teams as of Monday, Dec. 17 at 5:00 PM. Clients can call 1-866-GET-INFO to access Red Cross services

* Limited bulk supplies including water, hygiene items, tarps, boots, blankets and more available through Sunday (Dec. 16)

* Emergency response vehicles with meals, snacks, water and supplies will continue to be in the area through the weekend

* Vernonia area residents with immediate disaster-caused needs can call 1-866-GET-INFO to learn about available outreach and assistance

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like the Northwest Floods, by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of disaster.

The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation. Call 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting redcross.org.