The American Red Cross is working with local and national organizations to assist the many families affected by the recent flooding from the torrential rain prior to the remains of Hurricane Patricia.

A shelter providing temporary safe haven is currently open at the First Baptist Church of Weslaco, 600 South Kansas. Red Cross teams are assessing the situations of other locations throughout the area to determine if more shelters are needed.

A Service Center will open at 5:30 p.m. tomorrow at the San Perlita Community Center, 14085 FM2209. Beginning Thursday, October 29 the center will be open daily from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. until further notice. The Southern Baptist Kitchen will be serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. The Rio Grande Valley Food Bank will offer free food to residents.  Red Cross will be providing clean up supplies such as bleach, mops, buckets and brooms, personal hygiene items, health services and tarps.

Partners such as emergency management throughout the state, The Salvation Army, Southern Baptist Kitchen and the Rio Grande Valley Food Bank have joined forces with the Red Cross to help provide food and other assistance to affected families and to identify community needs.

“The mission of the Red Cross is to provide comfort and support to anyone affected by disasters,” said Iris Martinez Juergens, executive director of the South Texas Chapter. “But, we can’t do it alone. Whenever a disaster strikes, our partners are a vital part of relief efforts along with the compassion of our volunteers and the generosity of our donors.”

Anyone affected by the flooding can call 1-866-526-8300.

Red Cross urges everyone to download the free Emergency App for weather alerts and to let others know you are safe if severe weather occurs. Find Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross, a United Way agency,  shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @HoustonRedCross