Note: The Joint Information Center transitioned to Recovery Releases, identifiable by Release Number and Name.
Joint Information Center - JIC Recovery Release No. 20
April 28, 2026, 7:15 a.m. (ChST) JRR1009#20
Tier II Shelter to Close on May 1; Final Transition Support Underway
Following ongoing recovery progress after Typhoon Sinlaku, the Tier II shelter at Yigo Gymnasium is scheduled to officially close at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026. The Yigo Mayor’s Office, the American Red Cross, the Government of Guam, and partner agencies continue to support residents through this transition.
Based on recovery assessments, officials have determined that the original purpose of Tier II shelters to provide a safe place from the storms and during initial recovery has met its full mission.
Shelter residents are being notified in advance and are receiving direct assistance from case managers and partner agencies to support their transition. Services include transportation assistance, and connections to community-based resources.
“We are deeply grateful to the American Red Cross and their dedicated volunteers for standing shoulder to shoulder with our local agencies and community partners to operate the Tier II shelter and provide a safe refuge for families displaced by Typhoon Sinlaku,” said Acting Governor Joshua Tenorio. “While the closing of this shelter marks an important milestone in our response, we remain committed to supporting our residents as we move forward with long-term recovery and rebuilding, especially for our most vulnerable communities.”
“Our shelter served as a place of safety and support during a very challenging time for many of our families,” said Yigo Mayor Frances Lizama. “As residents transition back to their homes or temporary housing, we are encouraged to see our community taking these important steps toward normalcy. We are thankful to the American Red Cross, and for the partnerships that made this possible and remain committed to assisting our residents as recovery continues.”
“When a shelter closes, it doesn’t mean support ends. It’s a reminder of how a close‑knit community comes together to ensure families remain connected to the care and resources they need to keep moving forward,” said American Red Cross Guam Chapter Executive Director Ken Quintanilla. “Our teams remain dedicated to supporting families through this transition and strengthening connections to services that help promote stability and recovery. This shelter showed what’s possible when government partners and the community come together with compassion and purpose - so thank you to our shelter volunteers and government partners, for being present every day and ensuring residents had access to critical care and services.”
For the latest updates from the Joint Information Center, visit https://ghs.guam.gov/.