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PRESS CONTACT INFO ROBIN ERICKSON Director of Communications PHONE (401) 831-7700 x101 E-MAIL [email protected]

Monday, March 18, 2002
American Red Cross Assisting 24 People in Weekend Fires -- Victims Will Meet with Caseworkers Today

The American Red Cross of Rhode Island is currently assisting 24 Rhode Islanders displaced by three separate fires over the weekend. A total of 16 adults and 8 children are currently receiving emergency food, clothing and shelter from the Red Cross.

Rhode Island Red Cross disaster volunteers responded to three separate incidents over the weekend:

• 72 Mawney Street, Providence: 1 adult displaced.
   
• 100 Chester Street, Providence: 4 families displaced; 7 adults and 2 children.
   
• 891 Dexter Street, Central Falls: 4 families displaced; Red Cross assisted 3 families; 8 adults and 6 children.

The three weekend fires come on the heels of an additional fire Thursday evening that left seven Brown University students homeless.

"When we respond to back-to-back fires with multiple families affected, we are looking at major expenses," Sarah Bilofsky, Director of Communications for the American Red Cross of Rhode Island said. "The Red Cross depends on local financial donations to provide motel rooms, meals and clothing for our neighbors in need. When you send a check to the local Red Cross to assist fire victims, that money stays right here to help Rhode Islanders."

The weekend fires mark the 32^nd, 33^rd and 34^th fire the Rhode Island Red Cross has responded to this year.

In 2001, the American Red Cross of Rhode Island assisted 379 Rhode Island families, who were victims of fires, spending over $200,000.00 in emergency services.

The Red Cross typically spends $1,000 per family of four it assists. All Red Cross assistance is free. The Red Cross is not a government agency and relies on private donations to provide emergency assistance to Rhode Islanders in crisis.

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