Volunteers needed as Red Cross responds to Hurricane Helene
More than 1,000 Red Cross disaster responders are providing aid across 10 states affected by Hurricane Helene
– The American Red Cross of Central California is urgently seeking volunteers to support emergency shelters for national disaster relief efforts this fall. The increasing frequency of disasters, such as Hurricane Helene, has created a growing need for assistance.
The Red Cross encourages those interested to sign up at redcross.org/volunteer. Volunteers must complete required training and commit to a two-week deployment. While no prior disaster experience is necessary, individuals with skills in supervision, management, or organization, along with a desire to help in fast-paced situations, are urged to apply.
“When disasters upend lives, Red Cross volunteers are on the frontlines providing refuge and comfort to people in their darkest hours,” said Lori Wilson, interim regional executive. “They truly are the heart and soul of the Red Cross — comprising 90% of our workforce — to help ensure families never face a crisis alone.”
In emergency shelters, Red Cross volunteers provide safe places to stay, food, water, mental health services, and basic health support such as replacing lost medications or medical equipment.
Helene survivors share shelter experience
Amber Barteau and her family sought refuge at a Red Cross shelter in Perry, Florida, over the weekend after Hurricane Helene devastated their home. This marked the third time in just over a year that the family has survived a hurricane.
“As soon as I pulled up to the shelter, it made me feel good,” Barteau said. “I thought to myself, this is safe, and I’m going to be OK.”
Red Cross mobilizes for Hurricane Helene response
As of Tuesday, more than 1,000 Red Cross disaster responders are providing aid across 10 states affected by Hurricane Helene, including North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. On Sunday night, more than 2,600 people stayed in 69 emergency shelters, an increase of 600 from the previous day.
With ongoing damage assessments in areas that are still difficult to access, emergency officials expect shelter operations to continue for several weeks. The destruction from Hurricane Helene has been widespread, with some regions still unreachable.
Extreme weather threats persist
As hurricane season continues, the threat of more storms remains, particularly in the Gulf and Atlantic oceans. The Southwest and California are also facing a higher-than-normal risk of wildfires this fall. The Red Cross is responding to an increasing number of disasters as the climate crisis intensifies and makes such events more frequent and severe.
How to help
The Red Cross encourages the public to assist in various ways:
- Donate: Financial donations are the quickest way to provide aid. Visit redcross.org or text HELENE to 90999 to contribute to disaster relief efforts for Hurricane Helene.
- Give Blood: Due to Hurricane Helene, more than 1,500 blood donations have gone uncollected in the Southeast. People outside affected areas are encouraged to visit RedCrossBlood.org or use the Blood Donor App to schedule a donation.
The American Red Cross provides disaster relief, blood supplies, life-saving skills, international aid, and support for military families. For more information, visit redcross.org or follow them on social media.
