Over 300 people were housed at the shelter at the peak of its operations, Red Cross officials say.
Bilenia Belen, holds her daughter Roselic Perez 9 month old, as her sons Mobesto David 11, and Jesus David 7, get settled June 2 in at the shelter set up at the MassMutual Center for tornado victims.SPRINGFIELD - The American Red Cross announced Tuesday that it wil be closing the tornado shelter Wednesday that has been in operation at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield ever since the area was hit by three devastating tornadoes June 1.
At its peak on June 7, over 300 people were housed, according to the Pioneer Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross. Since that time, the number of people staying at the shelter has declined.
"Thanks to the generosity of our community, who donated services, food, clothing and dollars, we have had the resources required to support the immediate needs of those impacted," a chapter spokesperson said in a prepared statement.
With the support of the United Way of Pioneer Valley and Federal Emergency Management Agency, the not for profit community will be assisting people with long term needs as a result of this disaster. To contact the United Way with regard to Tornado recovery efforts call 413-693-0225.
For more information on disaster preparedness, contact the Pioneer Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross at (413)737-4306, visit www.redcross.org or www.cruzrojaamericana.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.