Red Cross Aids Pacoima-Area Storm Victims : Relief: A third service center will be open until tonight to assist residents with urgent needs, such as groceries, furniture and clothing.

The American Red Cross has opened a third service center in the San Fernando Valley area to assist victims of last week’s storms.

The newest center, in the David M. Gonzalez Recreation Center at 10943 Herrick Ave., Pacoima, opened Wednesday and will remain open until tonight, Red Cross officials said.

Residents in the Pacoima-Lake View Terrace area and others “who have suffered damage as a direct result of the storm” are encouraged to visit, said Garrett Nanninga, director of the charity’s Los Angeles district. At least 25 homes in the area were damaged.

The Red Cross also operates a center in Calabasas at Calabasas High School, 22855 W. Mulholland Highway, which has seen 11 families since it opened Monday, said Carol Tokarczyk, spokeswoman for the Red Cross.

The Red Cross closed a temporary center Tuesday that it operated in Santa Clarita, but residents there can still receive assistance by visiting or calling the Red Cross office at 21352 1/2 W. Valencia Blvd.

“Generally, the service centers help people get their lives back in order,” Red Cross spokeswoman Pamela Corante said.

The agency will meet urgent needs only, Corante said. “We can’t replace your VCR, but we can help you buy a refrigerator or buy one for you.”

The Pacoima and Calabasas centers are open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Storm victims will be interviewed by a caseworker and, in some instances, workers will visit the victim’s house to determine the damage and the need.

The agency provides groceries and personal hygiene items and will replace furniture, clothing and tools. It can also help pay rent and the costs of transportation and repairs.

But officials emphasize that damage or loss must have resulted directly from the storm. Victims will be asked to show proof of residency in a storm-effected area.

The center is staffed with a volunteer nurse, who assists residents who may have lost prescriptions or those who need minor medical attention.

Officials also help residents who may be suffering from “post-disaster” stress.

In Santa Clarita, workers have helped 15 people, providing them with food, vouchers for a hotel, rent and shoes.

The city of Santa Clarita is encouraging flood victims to call the Department of Building and Safety to report damage to their businesses or homes, spokeswoman Gail Foy said. The information will be used by local, state and federal officials to prepare a report on the scope of the damage and the type of assistance programs needed, she said.

Residents who need assistance should contact the nearest local American Red Cross chapter during business hours or call (800) 540-2000 weekends and after-hours.

Times staff writer Tracey Kaplan contributed to this story.