Red Cross ZIP code policy involving on-site response to be extended; mayor meets with regional CEO

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Red Cross to extend policy changes

Red Cross to extend policy changes

MILWAUKEE -- A controversial policy change made by Southeast Wisconsin chapter of the American Red Cross will be extended. The new policy ended on-site disaster relief in 10 Milwaukee ZIP codes -- a move that has drawn criticism. The D.K. Mini Market stands out at the corner of 35th and Lisbon in Milwaukee. It's in the 53208 zip code, one of the zip codes where volunteers no longer provide on-site relief. With a paint job featuring several murals on its exterior, the store stands out.

Kenneth Mills

"I wanted to put an eye-catcher out there and that's what I did," said Kenneth Mills, who owns the store. Mills said he opened the shop about 6 months ago. Mills said he's bothered by the knowledge he lives in an area that would get treated differently in case of a disaster than people in other parts of the city. Under the change, victims in the affected zip codes would have to meet volunteers at a nearby police station or at the organization's office at 26th and Wisconsin. "You'll come to their site and help (people not in the 10 zip codes) without going to the police station," said Mills. "It really sounds kind of different. It don't sound equal to me."

American Red Cross ZIP code policy

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett

Critics of the policy have said the affected areas are in predominantly black and Hispanic ZIP codes, while predominantly white areas are not included. Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett on Tuesday, January 2nd spoke out about his meeting with American Red Cross Southeast Chapter Regional CEO Patty Flowers. "The issue of race certainly came up and the need to make sure that low-income people, who are the victims of fires, that they also receive the same treatment others receive," Mayor Barrett said. Mayor Barrett confirmed the meeting happened Tuesday morning.

Patty Flowers

"It was a very open, candid conversation," Barrett said. "I would say it was a good conversation, but I think we agree there's more work that needs to be done." The Red Cross said in a statement Sunday the policy will be extended to other parts of the city starting in January. Flowers said last week the policy changes are based on where the most fires happen and to let families meet with Red Cross volunteers in a warm and safe place. Barrett said following the meeting both he and Flowers agreed the concerns reflect a need to draw more volunteers who live in the central city. "Look, you can find good people in all these neighborhoods who will be willing to step forward to help others in a time of need and you can work through the churches, you can work through community groups," Barrett said. Barrett added that the Red Cross had added a map reflecting new locations added to the expanded policy. No such map was posted on the organizations website or its social media platforms. In a statement Tuesday, Flowers reiterated the policy will be extended to other parts of Milwaukee. She added specifics would be released in "a few days." Mills said, whatever the policy, Red Cross disaster assistance should be a bright spot for everyone during a dark time. "You gotta treat everyone the same," Mills said. "Everyone's going through the same struggle."

American Red Cross

The statement released Tuesday by the Red Cross reads in part:

To read the full statement, CLICK HERE.