MENASHA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The American Red Cross says it is reaching out to eligible individuals for its long-term recovery assistance program for residents affected by the Fox Cities tornado.
Red Cross representatives explained Wednesday who may be eligible for disaster assistance, what residents should expect, and how the assistance process will work.
If the Red Cross already has your information and you meet the criteria for the program, you may be receiving a text or email with a link in the next day or so.
Menasha mayor Austin Hammond says there has been a lot of scams out there and people should remain cautious before they click on links from those offering help. In the case of the Red Cross, Hammond says the links are legitimate.
You can also call the Red Cross directly if you want to verify the validity of the link before you click on it.
The criteria to receive free long-term recovery assistance is:
- Your residence is in a declared disaster area
- Your primary residence meets the damage criteria
- The head of the household is able to provide proper identification and location residency
Red Cross assessors have been out in the community since the EF-3 tornado ripped through the area on July 27, determining these qualifications.
If the Red Cross did not reach out to you and you think you meet the qualifications, you can call them directly to see how you can receive assistance in the program.
On Tuesday, the Red Cross moved its tornado relief shelter from Christ the Rock Community Church in Menasha to Appleton North High School.
The shelter is open to anyone seeking a safe place to stay, whether for a few hours, overnight, or for several days.
Since the tornado struck the Fox Valley, the American Red Cross has:
- Sheltered 165 overnight; they have nine in overnight shelter as of Wednesday
- Served more than 408 meals
- Distributed more than 1,091 snacks
- Distributed 2,209 emergency relief supplies
