163 Regional volunteers have deployed to support response
In the last seven weeks, the American Red Cross has launched wide-ranging relief efforts to help people devastated by three historic, back-to-back hurricanes—Harvey, Irma, and Maria. And now, the Red Cross is helping families affected by deadly wildfires in California that are devastating entire neighborhoods just days after a fourth hurricane, Nate made landfall in Mississippi. The Red Cross is on the ground, part of a large team of agencies and organizations responding to provide help to communities turned upside down.
163 volunteers from the Western and Central New York Region have deployed to support these efforts, including two who have deployed to California this week to support the wildfire relief efforts there.
“We are so grateful for our volunteers who are willing to leave their homes and their families in support of Red Cross relief efforts for these disasters,” said Rosie Taravella, Regional CEO, American Red Cross, Western and Central New York. “Our volunteers travel across the country to help people they have never met before to provide comfort and support to those in need.”
For more information on how you can help, visit redcross.org.
Red Cross Response update:
California Wildfires
Alongside partners, Red Cross disaster workers are supporting evacuation centers where people can find safe refuge from the fires. Additional supplies and volunteers are being mobilized now.
- Overnight, more than 2,000 people sought refuge from wildfires in 20 Red Cross and community shelters across the state.
- The Red Cross is also providing meals, health services, comfort and other support for affected residents.
- Thousands of additional cots, blankets and emergency relief supplies are being mobilized now to support relief efforts.
- Volunteers from across the country are now traveling to California to support sheltering, feeding, logistics and planning efforts.
- The Red Cross is also working closely with government and community partners to coordinate relief efforts. Some of the partners we are working with include Children’s Disaster Services, The Salvation Army and Southern Baptist Disaster Relief.
Hurricanes Irma and Maria (Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands)
- In Puerto Rico, more than 6,100 people stayed overnight in 112 government evacuation shelters.
- On the U.S. Virgin Islands, 337 people stayed overnight in 5 shelters.
- Nearly 690 Red Cross trained disaster workers are supporting relief efforts in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and over 180 more are on the way.
- Along with our partners, the Red Cross has served more than 603,000 meals and snacks across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- We’ve distributed more than 383,000 relief items across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- Red Cross volunteers have provided more than 12,000 mental health and health services to support and care for those affected.
- After Irma and Maria struck Puerto Rico, the Red Cross has served more than 535,000 meals and snacks, distributed more than 312,000 relief supplies, and provided more than 9,000 mental health and health services to people in need. Right now, 461 trained Red Cross disaster workers are helping.
- After Irma and Maria struck the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Red Cross has served more than 67,000 meals and snacks, handed out more than 71,000 relief items, and provided more than 3,400 mental health and health services to people in need. Right now, more than 225 trained Red Cross disaster workers are helping.
Hurricane Irma (Continental U.S. Only)
- Overnight, 177 people stayed in 3 emergency shelters in Florida.
- Along with our partners, we have served more than 1.5 million (1,559,000) meals and snacks across six states.
- We’ve distributed more than 1 million (1,059,000) relief items like diapers, bug spray, cleaning supplies, coolers, and comfort kits containing deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste and other hygiene items across six states.
- Red Cross volunteers have provided more than 49,000 mental health and health services to support and care for those affectedacross six states.
- More than 860 Red Cross workers are responding to Irma now.
- Today, as many as 68 emergency response vehicles are helping to deliver meals and relief supplies across the hardest-hit areas in Florida.
Hurricane Harvey
- As of October 9, the Red Cross has authorized payment of $400 to more than 477,000 households severely affected by Hurricane Harvey. That’s more than $190 million in direct financial assistance, and we continue to process applications.
- Overnight, more than 890 people stayed in 6 Red Cross and partner shelters across Texas.
- Along with our partners, we have served more than 4.3 million (4,304,000) meals and snacks in Texas and Louisiana.
- 950 Red Cross disaster workers are on the ground in Texas now.
- As many as 163 emergency response vehicles are helping to deliver meals and relief supplies across the hardest-hit areas of Texas.
- Red Cross volunteers have provided more than 120,000 mental health and health services to support and care for people in Texas and Louisiana.
- We’ve distributed more than 1.6 million (1,627,000) relief items like diapers, bug spray, cleaning supplies, coolers, and comfort kits containing deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste and other hygiene items, in Texas and Louisiana.
LAS VEGAS SHOOTING
The thoughts and deepest sympathies of the entire American Red Cross family are with all those affected by Sunday night’s tragic shooting in Las Vegas. The Red Cross is working in close coordination with emergency officials to provide comfort and support.
Red Cross workers are at the family assistance center to provide food, water, mental health, health services and spiritual care. This support includes trained grief counselors and spiritual care providers connecting with loved ones struggling to come to terms with this tragedy.
Over the coming days, the Red Cross will continue to coordinate closely with local officials and community partners to determine how to best support the Las Vegas community and the loved ones of those who have been harmed.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.