Service Delivery and Cost Breakdowns

Red Cross response teams are among the first at a disaster, providing immediate emergency assistance to victims and supporting our colleagues in the first responder community. Through our chapters, Blood Regions, Service Areas, and national headquarters, the Red Cross's unique nationwide infrastructure and experience in disaster preparedness and response are assets that support government at all levels in preparing for and responding to all hazards.

Throughout the months of August, September and October, nearly 33,000 Red Cross volunteers and workers mobilized to answer the call for assistance in response to these devastating hurricanes and to deliver critical disaster relief services.

Breakdown of Disaster Relief Services
Breakdown of Response Costs
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Breakdown of Disaster Relief Services

Food and Shelter Operations - The Red Cross housed 424,461 people in 1,813 shelters and evacuation centers from the middle of August through the middle of October. It provided more than 11 million meals and snacks and shipped more than 113,28 2 clean up kits and 149,000 comfort kits for distribution. At least 35,799 Red Cross workers responded to set up shelters, provide transportation to the numerous locations, support the sheltering effort and process and distribute supplies. Ninety percent of those Red Cross workers were volunteers.

Physical and Mental Health Services - The Red Cross provided both physical and mental health services to the hurricane victims. Volunteer nurses helped 46,196 people with physical needs. Trained mental health professionals made 78,318 contacts with people in need to begin the recovery process. The cost of these services includes the replacement of prescription medications, over-the-counter medications and prescription glasses or contacts, as well as airfare, lodging, meals and local transportation for some volunteers.

Breakdown of Response Costs

The cost of the relief operation and breakdown by type of aid provided is in the process of being compiled. Although a final cost will not be known until the operation has concluded, the preliminary cost estimates for our overall combined response efforts for Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne, including the multitude of tornadoes and flooding as a result of those hurricanes, currently stands at $92 million.

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