United States: Red Cross volunteers bring hope in wake of southern California wildfires

At a temporary shelter for wildfire survivors in Pasadena, California, Kennis Eduardo Díaz gets help from American Red Cross volunteer Gracie Castro, who is part of a team that helps find available resources and a path toward long-term recovery.

At a temporary shelter for wildfire survivors in Pasadena, California, Kennis Eduardo Díaz gets help from American Red Cross volunteer Gracie Castro, who is part of a team that helps evacuees tackle administrative tasks, find financial assistance and get referrals to services that help homeowners and renters find longer-term housing solutions.

Photo: Rosemarie Valdez/American Red Cross

As wildfires sweep across Southern California, the American Red Cross is providing critical support and relief. In shelters across the region, volunteers and staff work tirelessly to offer critical necessities and a sense of hope amid the devastation.

Originally from Colombia, Kennis Eduardo Díaz lost his home and all his possessions in the fires. With nowhere else to go, he found refuge at a newly-created, temporary shelter operated by the American Red Cross. 

The shelter in this case is a section of the Pasadena Convention Center. Normally a place for large business gatherings and trade shows, the center’s massive rooms have been transformed into a temporary shelter for hundreds of evacuees.

Here, Kennis has received more than just meals and a safe place to sleep. He’s also found a path toward recovery thanks to the support of local Red Cross volunteers.

They’re giving me the help I didn’t have,” Kennis shared. 

One of those volunteers is Gracie Castro, from the San Bernardino chapter of the American Red Cross and part of a team that helps evacuees like Kennis with tackling administrative tasks, finding financial assistance, and getting referrals to services that help homeowners and renters find longer-term housing solutions, among other things.

My role is to see how we can get him where he wants to go,” said Gracie. 

Stories of resilience and kindness

Blanca Pérez’s story is another testament to the power of community and compassion. 

Along with her husband Antonio, her daughter, and her daughter’s boyfriend, Blanca had to evacuate their apartment in Altadena with their pets in tow, leaving behind their home and Blanca’s beloved dress shop. 

Days later, they learned both their home and the dress shop had been destroyed by the flames. 

Despite this profound loss, Blanca found solace in the support provided by the Red Cross. When she received news of her uncle’s passing due to the fires, a volunteer offered immediate emotional support, supporting her through her grief and connecting her with spiritual care services.

I’ve made new friends at the shelter, and the Red Cross volunteers have shown such kindness and genuine interest in our well-being,” Blanca shared. Small gestures, like receiving knitting supplies to keep her hands busy, have brought moments of peace amid the chaos.

These are just two of the many stories unfolding at Red Cross shelters around the Los Angeles metropolitan area. In total, about 580 people are staying in Red Cross emergency shelters and each person has a unique set of needs. So far, the Red Cross has provided more than 11,300 overnight stays and more than 102,000 meals and snacks with the support of its partners.

A Red Cross volunteer from Texas, Fernando Fernández checks in with a woman who lost her home to the fires. Fernández traveled hundreds of miles to California to offer emotional support to evacuees.

A Red Cross volunteer from Texas, Fernando Fernández checks in with a woman who lost her home to the fires. Fernández traveled hundreds of miles to California to offer emotional support to evacuees.

Photo: Rosemarie Valdez/American Red Cross

Volunteers from around the country

The Red Cross’s response to the Southern California wildfires would not be possible without the support of volunteers from around the country. Fernando Fernández, a disaster services volunteer from the Texas Gulf Coast Chapter, traveled to California to offer spiritual care to people who were forced to evacuate. 

A 15-year volunteer and U.S. Coast Guard veteran, Fernando understands the importance of being a comforting presence. “Most of the people I’ve helped just need someone to listen,” he said. Over 60 per cent of people he’s supported in this crisis have been Hispanic, he says, underscoring the vital role of culturally sensitive care in disaster response.

Blanca Pérez smiles and cuddles a cat inside one of the large halls being used as a temporary shelter inside the Pasadena Convention Center. Pérez lost her home and her dress shop to the fires, but she finds some comfort in the compassion and support shown by Red Cross volunteers.

Blanca Pérez smiles and cuddles a cat inside one of the large halls being used as a temporary shelter inside the Pasadena Convention Center. Pérez lost her home and her dress shop to the fires, but she finds some comfort in the compassion and support shown by Red Cross volunteers.

Photo: Nancy Castles/American Red Cross

Beyond shelter: there for the long run

The Red Cross’s support extends beyond immediate shelter. Financial assistance programs are now underway for residents in numerous municipalities that have been severely impacted by the fires. This financial aid helps evacuees cover basic needs, from replacing hygiene products to purchasing appropriate clothing.

All services are available to individuals regardless of nationality, race, gender, or citizenship status, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to inclusivity.

If you need help, don’t be afraid to ask the Red Cross,” urged Fernando, the volunteer from the Texas Gulf Coast Chapter, echoing a sentiment shared by many volunteers and survivors.

As communities start rebuilding after the wildfires, the Red Cross remains steadfast in its mission to provide hope, safety, and resources to those in need. Indeed, those needs are immense and are likely not to diminish even as the fires are contained. 

Over 16,000 structures have been destroyed by the fires so people will be in need of temporary shelter for some time. Meanwhile, anticipated rains pose the prospect of new threats — flash flooding and landslides over the burn-scarred areas.

Whatever the case, the Red Cross will remain by the side of people in need. Some 580 Red Cross responders are making sure people are not alone. 

As communities reopen, meanwhile, Red Crossers are also there with support including cleaning supplies, flashlights, face masks, gloves, water and other essentials. Almost 22,000 relief items were provided by end of January.  

 

 

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