Beyond Disaster Relief: How the Red Cross Honors Culture Amid Crisis

When disaster hits, the American Red Cross is known for providing shelter, food, and comfort. But in the face of extraordinary crises, the organization often goes far beyond the expected — meeting not just physical needs, but emotional and cultural ones too.

Typhoon Halong: Healing Through Heritage in Alaska In October, the remnants of Typhoon Halong devastated Alaska’s Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, rendering entire coastal villages uninhabitable. Evacuees — many of them Yup’ik — were airlifted to Anchorage, hundreds of miles from their ancestral homes and traditions.

Recognizing the cultural trauma of this displacement, the Red Cross responded with more than cots and meals. Volunteers were trained in cultural sensitivity. Signage was printed in Yup’ik. Traditional foods like fish soup and seal meat were served. Community dances were held. Even the welcome baskets were thoughtfully curated — filled with reindeer salami, dried fruits, and pilot bread, a staple of Alaskan life.

In a powerful act of solidarity, Kotzebue hunter Collins J. Fleming Sr. donated three seals and an otter to the shelters. “A good seal can feed a family for a week,” he said. “It brought me joy to bring a taste of home to those so far from it.”

Much of the traditional subsistence food gathered by western Alaska residents was destroyed during the storm. Collins’ donation not only nourished evacuees, but also reconnected them to a sense of identity, belonging and home.

California Wildfires: Speaking the Language of Relief Earlier in 2025, the Eaton and Palisades wildfires tore through Los Angeles County, destroying over 16,000 structures and displacing thousands. The Red Cross mobilized 500 responders and thousands of local volunteers to provide shelter, food and financial aid.

But again, the needs went deeper.

Helping communities recover after a disaster is a team effort, and the Red Cross works closely with partners to meet the most critical needs and ensure people are not overlooked. In Alhambra, Max Sanchez canvassed churches, markets, and fire stations to connect displaced Latino families — many unaware of available aid — with Red Cross services. By bridging language and cultural barriers, Max and his team ensured that no one was left behind.

The Red Cross also awarded a Response Impact Grant to Radio Bilingue to support the development and broadcast of Spanish language messaging to affected populations, helping ensure information was passed on about the relief and recovery services available for them to access.

Putting Communities and Their Unique Needs First
These stories reveal a deeper truth: no two disasters are alike, and neither are the people affected. The Red Cross is dedicated to meeting both the immediate needs of survivors, as well as their cultural, emotional, and long-term recovery needs.
That includes:

• Financial assistance for urgent needs like clothing, lodging, and transportation.Recovery grants to local or
• ganizations for services like mold remediation and home repairs.
• Community partnerships that ensure no one is overlooked — especially in underserved or hard-to-reach populations.

In every crisis, the Red Cross recognizes that disaster relief isn’t just about what’s needed — it’s about what matters.