Listen to this article
The Army partners with Red Cross to provide aid after two buildings collapse in New York.
Following a deadly gas explosion in East Harlem, N.Y., that killed seven and caused two buildings to collapse on March 12, The Salvation Army has partnered with the American Red Cross to help provide aid. At the request of the New York City Office of Emergency Management, The Salvation Army Greater New York Division’s Manhattan Citadel Community Center is sheltering at least 71 displaced people.
“There was little warning, certainly not enough to have safely evacuated the area,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said at a news conference, near where the buildings once stood. “This is a tragedy of the worst kind because there was no indication in time to save people.”
Beginning today, a support center set up at the site will be open for affected residents to receive available resources and services from city and state agencies including the New York City Department of Mental Health and Mental Hygiene, the Department of Aging, the Department of Homeless Services and the Department of Buildings. Children taking refuge at the shelter are also being given transportation to their schools.
Download this page as a PDF
