The Red Cross Recovery Centre opened in Weyburn on July 19 and is busy helping flood victims get back on their feet.
George Barker, Red Cross community outreach coordinator for Weyburn and Estevan, said that the Centre is devoted to helping people get their life and homes back to their pre-flood condition. Some ways the Red Cross can help is by providing household supplies, housing assistance, household repair and clean-up materials, the means to return to work or school, and items and support not available through other programs or insurance.
Case workers are available for appointments. They will help flood victims connect to the services they require and decide on a case-by-case situation what, if any, assistance is required.
"We ask them whether they have insurance or applied for PDAP (Provincial Disaster Assistance Program). We do not duplicate services."
Barker said the Red Cross is available to help victims with the basic necessities, such as food, clothing and shelter.
"It's the little things," said Barker. "Maybe your clothes were ruined by sewage, or your bedding, or school supplies. If all your bills are going towards the clean-up effort and there is nothing left for groceries."
The Red Cross is also supplying flood clean-up kits. They include mops, gloves, disinfectant and other tools to assist in the disinfection and mould prevention process. The kits are not guaranteed to prevent mould growth, according to Barker.
The Recovery Centre is located at the Royal Canadian Legion and is open Sunday to Wednesday from 4:30 to 9 p.m.
Appointments can be made by calling 842-1692. Information can also be accessed at the Saskatchewan Recovery Assistance and Information Line at 1-888-953-3463.
