Folder 137

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

Counseling services are provided for survivors, families, rescue workers, witnesses to the tragedy, and all individuals who feel threatened or victimized by this traumatic event. The Red Cross provides crisis counseling, spiritual counseling, access to long-term counseling, and medical care for those seeking assistance. Since September 11, Red Cross mental health professionals have had more than 50,000 one-on-one meetings with people impacted by the tragedy.

People who lived or worked near the World Trade Center, whose homes or offices were damaged, are eligible on a case-by-case basis for temporary housing, financial assistance for basic essentials, or help with clean up of hazardous soot and debris. The Red Cross can also help to cover moving and storage expenses, replace home furnishings, and assist in replacing documentation.

Rescue workers have access to all Red Cross services, as well as hot meals and snacks 24 hours a day. To date, more than 5,200,000 meals and snacks — over 175,000 per day — have been served at Red Cross sites, giving emergency workers the sustenance to continue their difficult task, and affected families a brief respite from the stress in their lives.

Lastly, I want to inform you of a very special first-ever $100-million Red Cross Gift Program, created to provide immediate financial help to families of people lost in the World Trade Center. These tax-free gifts will help families of victims cover near-term financial needs such as mortgage or rent payments, utilities, food, clothing and other time-sensitive and uncovered expenses. To date, more than $19,000,000 in gifts has been distributed to 837 families.

Anyone impacted by this disaster is encouraged to contact the American Red Cross to find out about available assistance. Red Cross service centers are operating at the City of New York Family Assistance Center on Pier 94; Carmine Street Recreation Center, 7`s Avenue and Clarkson Street; CWA Local 1180, 6 Harrison St., all in Manhattan; 106 N. Broadway in White Plains, N.Y.; in the Garden City Hotel, 45 7th St. in Garden City, N.Y.; 239 Fingerboard Rd. in Staten Island, N.Y.; and 55 Main St. in Goshen, N.Y.

More information on Red Cross services is available by calling the HELP LINE at 212-219-6200 in Manhattan, and 1-877-746-4987 outside of Manhattan.

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Robert M. Bender, Jr., CEO

Update 4 of 4 October 10, 2001

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