Benefits News: American Red Cross Opens New Center of Excellence to Help Military Families and Veterans

Today, the American Red Cross is transforming its emergency communication site in Springfield, Mass., into a Center of Excellence for Financial Assistance where dedicated staff will focus on connecting military families and veterans to financial assistance through military aid societies.  The Center will also explore partnerships with national community leaders such as Points of Light and Bank of America to expand financial support services and resiliency with the Financial Opportunity Corps.

"Our goal for this new Center of Excellence is threefold," said Koby Langley, senior vice president for Service to the Armed Forces at the Red Cross. "First, this is part of our ongoing effort to meet the expanding needs of today's military and veteran communities. Second, emergency financial assistance cases are generally more complex and more time consuming. Dedicating a team of trained professionals and partnering with both for-profit and non-profit community leaders on these needs will expand the quality and comprehensiveness of our services. And, third, the Springfield center will serve as an independent and fully redundant enterprise call center site, making it a best in class casework and referral network for military families experiencing a crisis."

The Red Cross Hero Care Call Centers in Ft. Sill, Okla., and Louisville, Ky., will remain as the initial entry points for the majority of Red Cross emergency communication services. Financial assistance cases will be transferred principally to Springfield for more robust support.

The Red Cross works in partnership with military aid societies and military service organizations to provide emergency financial assistance to eligible applicants 24/7/365. Assistance can include funds for emergency travel, burial of a loved one, emergency food and shelter, or other support. Last year alone, the Red Cross facilitated $7.7 million in emergency financial assistance to thousands of military families and retirees.

If you are a member of the military or veteran communities and need emergency assistance, contact the Hero Care Center at 877-272-7337 or go online at RedCross.org/HeroCareNetwork.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or redcross.org/cruz-roja, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.