After an explosion caused by a gas leak ripped through a five-story apartment building at 10 West 119th Street on October 6, injuring 20 people, five of them critically, Red Cross volunteers and employees provided comfort, caring, food and beverages to 80 affected residents, 61 adults and 19 children, at a nearby senior center. Chapter mental health personnel were also on hand to help any residents who required their services.

Later that evening, Red Cross set up a shelter at Public School 149, at 41 West 117th Street, where the Chapter housed 20 people overnight on cots and mats in the school's auditorium.  On Sunday, Red Cross provided affected residents with breakfast, lunch and dinner before closing the shelter that evening. That night, the Chapter provided emergency housing at area hotels for 10 families, 17 adults and 9 children. In the coming days, Red Cross caseworkers will continue to assist residents who require help.