The American Red Cross estimates it will spend more than $300 million over the next several months to provide ongoing disaster relief following the September 11 tragedies. By far, it is the costliest and most extensive response to any disaster in the 120-year history of the American Red Cross. The $300 million includes roughly $100 million in ongoing relief services, which to date have involved more than 35,000 Red Cross employees and volunteers working at the three primary disaster sites providing food, shelter and grief counseling. The $300 million total also includes $100 million estimated for Red Cross cash gifts now providing immediate, interim financial relief for families and individuals who suffered the loss of a loved one in the September 11 terrorist attacks.

More than 35,000 dedicated American Red Cross disaster relief workers have been tirelessly providing humanitarian assistance from providing safe havens to people who lost their homes to feeding and caring for the firefighters and other emergency services personnel. The American Red Cross has provided safe refuge for more than 4,000 people in 76 shelters, serving 8.3 million meals and snacks to survivors, emergency personnel and stranded travelers. The Red Cross has also directly helped 90,000 people with crisis, grief and spiritual counseling.

To date, the Rochester community has contributed $5 million to support these efforts.