Multi-Agency Response Center Set Up For Tornado Victims

As those hit by last week's tornadoes continue their cleanup, many are left feeling overwhelmed about what to do next. But the Red Cross has created a one stop shop to help them out.

Monday, May 27th 2013, 7:10 pm

By: News 9


As those hit by last week's tornadoes continue their cleanup, many are left feeling overwhelmed about what to do next. But the Red Cross has created a one stop shop to help them out.

We went to Westmoore High School ,where they have established one of the four multi agency resource centers, or MARCs as they are called, around the metro in fact this is where they are encouraging all people affected by the tornado to come to get some help.

We followed along with Elizabeth Perez and her daughter Jennifer as they started their journey to recovery her at the MARC in Moore.

Complete Coverage: May 2013 Tornado Outbreak

They have no car, no home, and no insurance.

"I'm coming for help," Perez cried.

The tears flow freely here at Westmoore high school, as countless families here try to move forward.

But volunteers from all over the country and the world are here to help them navigate through the maze of services and they never leave their side.

"They'll meet with a Red Cross representative first," said Brian Jensen, the Red Cross MARC volunteer at the Moore location. "They will make sure they meet every single agency that can provide service to them to meet their specific needs."

More than 25 non-profit agencies have set up here to help those affected cut through all the red tape.

There are also mental health counselors on standby to help all the families in need. For many, this is their first experience with disaster relief.

"Yesterday we saw about 150 people," said Jensen. " Today we are going to see double if not more than that today."

For people like Elizabeth and her daughter, this is a God send.

One of the things you will need to go into one of these MARCs is a photo ID or a utility bill.

But even if you don't have that, the folks here say don't worry, they'll find it for you.

The Red Cross has also set up a MARC in Little Ax Carney and Shawnee to help the people affected there.

They are open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and should be open for two weeks.

They do not have food or clothing or FEMA at these sites, but they can refer you to the many distribution sites that have been set up at many of the local churches.

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