Red Cross Provides Shelter and Comfort After Apartment Fire in Louisville

Red Crossers have been working around the clock since after a multi-unit apartment fire broke out in Louisville over the weekend. Eleven residents of the apartment building have been staying in a Red Cross shelter while their apartments are being assessed for damage.

While their week has been stressful, the atmosphere in the shelter is upbeat. Unlike most people who end up sharing space in a shelter, these shelter residents were neighbors in the apartment building and have known each other for years. They gathered in the main lounge of the building, laughing and gently teasing each other while they waited for Red Cross volunteers Larry, Mary and Dennis to call them for lunch.

They have all been amazed with the support they’ve received over the past few days.

“Everyone wants to be here,” said Donna about the volunteers. “They’ve made it so much easier to deal with a bad situation.”

Bobbie, who has lived in her Yorktown apartment for 11 years, said the Red Cross was on the scene almost immediately after the fire. Bobbie's mother and sister had given blood through the Red Cross in the past, but she’d never realized that the Red Cross also responded to disasters like fires.

“These people came in with their hearts wide open,” she said. “One lady needed her medicine, clothes […] and whatever we’ve needed, they’ve been right here.” 

To show their gratitude, the neighbors want to hold an apartment-wide fundraiser for the Red Cross when they are able to return home. 

Each year, the Red Cross responds to an average of more than 62,000 disasters, the vast majority of which are home fires. Learn how you can volunteer at redcross.org/volunteer.