American Red Cross lends a helping hand in Rome

ROME, NY (WSYR) – After a tornado ripped through Rome, the American Red cross is on sight, providing crucial resources to Rome residents facing loss and destruction.

As the Red Cross’ Assistant Director of Information and Planning Courtney Shatraw tells us, it’s a community effort.

“It’s neighbors helping neighbors,” said Shatraw. “These are folks that live here, maybe they live a little bit farther away, but they know this community has been impacted. So, they want to roll up their sleeves, give their heart and help the community.”

Shatraw and others are working towards easing the financial burden, as well as providing resources for those in need.

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The Red Cross is providing clean up kits and comfort kits, even going as far as providing face to face mental health services.

“We are offering care and comfort,” said Shatraw. “What that means is you can come over, check out our case workers. They want to know your story, how you’ve been.”

A personalized effort, aiming to help in any way possible.

Other help, like damage assessment, offers residents the chance to get their house looked at by the Red Cross. This helps them become eligible for financial aid based on the amount of damage.

And the effort has helped a lot of people. Philip Stehle, who lives in Rome, is facing thousands of dollars’ worth of damage after the tornado ripped through his area.

“I had no power for four days,” said Stehle. “Anything to help me with food, and repairs, and broken windows and a damaged roof, and the Red Cross was the first ones that stepped up.”

Thanks to a group effort by the American Red Cross, people like Stehle are getting the support they need – a personalized effort bringing Rome residents one step closer to rebuilding their lives.

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