Red Cross Aids Nyack Families Displaced In Last Week's Fire

Last Thursday's fire at 20 Prospect St. in Nyack displaced five families living in the building, four of which are now being aided by the American Red Cross of Greater New York.

"Of the five families that were affected, the Red Cross is helping four," said Rose Marie Fajardo, the non-profit's assistant director of response for Rockland. The family not receiving aid self-relocated, Fajardo added.

"We have provided housing, clothing and food," Fajardo said, adding that approximately six adults and six children were displaced by the blaze.

Fajardo noted the Red Cross will aid the families until they are back on their feet, and will lend a hand with any other difficulties.

"If there [is] anything else that they need, like help looking for another apartment, we would provide further assistance," she said. "Most [families] get back on their own feet before we close the case."

The American Red Cross of Greater New York responds to any disaster-related issues, and determines aid on a case-by-case basis.

"Sometimes food is priority, while others [sometimes] go for clothing," she explained. Fajardo began volunteering with the organization in 1999, and joined full-time in 2002.