Today's American Red Cross is keeping pace with the changing military. Using the latest in computer and telecommunications technology, the Red Cross sends communications on behalf of family members who are facing emergencies or other important events to members of the U.S. Armed Forces serving all over the world. These communications are delivered around-the-clock, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

American Red Cross communication services keep military personnel in touch with their families following the death or serious illness of a family member or other important events, such as the birth of a child. The Red Cross quickly sends these communications on behalf of the family to members of the U.S. Armed Forces serving anywhere in the world, including ships at sea, embassies and isolated military units. The information or verification in a message assists the service member's commanding officer with making a decision regarding emergency leave.

How to Contact the Red Cross to Send an Emergency Message
Active duty service members stationed in the United States and their immediate family members in the Pikes Peak region may call the Pikes Peak chapter's Armed Forces Emergency Service Center for help 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The toll-free telephone number is (888) 737-4306. If you are having trouble getting through, you may also dial the non-toll-free number at (413) 737-4306.

If you are a military member with family outside of the Pikes Peak region please contact your local American Red Cross chapter.

When calling the Red Cross to send an emergency message to a family member, it is helpful to have the following information on the service member:

- Full Name
- Rank/Rating
- Branch of Service
- Social Security Number
- Military Address
- Information about the deployed unit and the home base unit (for deployed service members only)

Emergency Financial Assistance for Active Military Members
The Red Cross works with the military aid societies (Army Emergency Relief, Navy Marine Corps Relief Society, Air Force Aid Society and the Coast Guard Mutual Assistance) to provide emergency financial assistance to active military members. This partnership helps to provide financial assistance for emergency travel that requires the presence of the service member or his or her family, burial of a loved one, or with assistance that cannot wait until the next business day (food, temporary lodging, urgent medical needs, or the minimum amount required to avoid eviction, utility shut off, etc.).

How to Access Financial Assistance
Active duty service members stationed in the United States and family members residing in the Pikes Peak region may call the Pikes Peak chapter's Armed Forces Emergency Service Centers for information and assistance 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The toll-free telephone number is (888) 737-4306. If you are having trouble getting through, you may also dial the non-toll-free number at (413) 737-4306.

If you are a military member with family outside of the Pikes Peak region, please contact your local American Red Cross chapter.

Note, when applying for financial assistance, applications are reviewed by the respective military aid societies and are approved by the respective aid society, not the American Red Cross.

For Other Related Needs
Sponsored by the Pikes Peaks United Way, 211 is a special three-digit phone number connecting those in need in our communities with those agencies and organizations that can assist them. It is not for life-threatening emergencies, it is a service providing information and referral to local services. Now, instead of making multiple phone calls to try and find help, you can simply pick up your phone and dial 2-1-1 to find assistance.