On March 22, a tragic mudslide changed the landscape of Oso, Washington forever and impacted the lives of everyone who lives in the region.
There was little warning before the mud crashed through the area, destroying homes and people’s lives. The American Red Cross launched an immediate response and continues to provide food, water, emotional support and financial assistance to area residents and their families in the weeks since the devastating landslide.
“This is heartbreaking for all involved,” is how Debby Lasky-Fink described the situation. She is a Red Cross Disaster Mental Health volunteer for the Snohomish County Red Cross Chapter in the impacted region. Red Cross mental health workers are caring for the families as well as helping first responders and workers who are also impacted by the tragedy.
In response to the mudslide, the Red Cross:
RED CROSS SUPPORT Red Cross caseworkers are meeting one-on-one with residents to offer financial support, help them plan their recovery and locate help from other agencies. These caseworkers will continue to work with people to provide assistance over the coming months. The Red Cross is:
Recovering from this disaster will take time and the Red Cross will be in the region to deliver aid for months to come. The Red Cross is working with residents, local and state officials and area nonprofit organizations to determine how to best help the community now and in the months ahead.