Central Service Center Opens for East Harlem Explosion Victims

Alecia Thomas, left, is comforted by her friend, Shivon Dollar, after she lost her home following an explosion that leveled two apartment buildings in the East Harlem neighborhood of New York, Wednesday, March 12, 2014. Con Edison spokesman Bob McGee says a resident from a building adjacent to the two that collapsed reported that he smelled gas inside his apartment, but thought the odor could be coming from outside. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)

The City opened a second center noon Thursday to service victims of the East Harlem explosion that caused two buildings to collapse, seven fatalities, and many more injured  or missing.

Last night, American Red Cross opened a shelter to 69 people at the Salvation Army facility at 175 East 125th Street and 3rd Avenue in Manhattan.

The City opened the Resident Service Center at noon on the second floor, open until 9 p.m. today. On Friday the center will be open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The center will serve all people affected by the incident, connecting people with the necessary information and organizations that can help with housing, clothing, and anything else.

Red Cross will continue to provide shelter, services, food for the days to come. People are still encouraged to call 311 to search for missing friends and family members. 

Some of the agencies at the Center will include the Department of Mental Health & Hygiene, the Department of Aging, the Department of Homeless Services, the Department of Buildings, Small Business Services and the Department of Housing Preservation & Development.