Red Cross helping Hurricane Matthew victims

Assistance is for families who do not qualify for federal assistance

The Northeast chapter of the American Red Cross continues to support families impacted by Hurricane Matthews.

Chapter spokeswoman Christian Smith visited The Morning Show Sunday to detail what the local chapter has been doing to help with relief efforts:

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•    More than 116,000 meals and snacks distributed
•    Almost 34,000 disaster relief supplies distributed
•    More than 1,200 health services contacts  provided
•    More than 1,400 mental health contacts conducted
•    More than 5,600 overnight stays in 22 shelters

If you need assistance, contact FEMA first at 800-621-3362. To ensure people have additional support, the Red Cross will provide limited financial assistance for those who do not qualify for federal disaster assistance and have homes with major damage or that were destroyed.

The Red Cross will provide $125 per person for families (up to a family of four) who meet both requirements to help obtain items  such as food, clothing , repairs and rent.

Smith said the Northeast Florida branch of the Red Cross says are willing to answer questions, but encourage people to first find out whether or not they qualify for FEMA assistance.  

Other casework assistance provided by the Red Cross includes one-on-one support, referrals, recovery planning and advocacy.

To register for Red Cross assistance, call 800-768-8048. To assist the nonprofit's efforts, visit RedCross.org.