PORTLAND, Ore. -- Last night, the lives of many NW Portland residents changed dramatically. Here's what the American Red Cross did to help:
At 6:30 p.m., the Oregon Trail Chapter was notified of an apartment fire at the Roselyn Apartments, 424 NW 21st Ave. While the fire was largely on the third floor of the building, many apartments have smoke and water damage and all utilities have been disconnected. Reports from Portland Fire and building management indicate that residents will not be able to return to the building for at least 4-5 days.
Red Cross disaster volunteers were on the scene by 6:50 p.m., and provided 26 meals as well as mental health and health assessments for the residents. The Red Cross also opened a shelter at the Trinity Episcopal Church, 147 NW 19th Ave., where 17 clients spent the night.
Today, client casework volunteers will work with residents and the property managment company to transition clients out of the shelter and into longer-term housing. The majority of clients are expected to be placed in other rental properties today and tomorrow. The Red Cross anticipates providing hotel stays for fewer than eight clients over the weekend, with the management company placing the remaining families in rentals on Monday.
Work at the Roselyn Apartments will continue today, tomorrow and as long as the Red Cross is needed. All assistance provided -- from food to clothing to shelter -- is free, thanks to the generous support of Oregonians.
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In Oregon, the American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disaster every eight hours; provides more than 90 percent of the blood used by Oregon patients; teaches thousands of Oregonians lifesaving skills; provides transportation to seniors and the disabled; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization – not a government agency – and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission. For more information, please visit
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