Learn More about Red Cross Response to Irma & Maria

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September 30, 2017. Barceloneta, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

Red Cross volunteers distribute water, food and other basic necessities to families affected by Hurricane Maria.

Photo by Sergio Rojas for The American Red Cross

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September 30, 2017. Barceloneta, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

Red Cross volunteers distribute water, food and other basic necessities to families affected by Hurricane Maria.

Photo by Sergio Rojas for The American Red Cross

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September 30, 2017. Barceloneta, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

Red Cross volunteers distribute water, food and other basic necessities to families affected by Hurricane Maria.

Photo by Sergio Rojas for The American Red Cross

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September 30, 2017. Barceloneta, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

Red Cross volunteers distribute water, food and other basic necessities to families affected by Hurricane Maria.

Photo by Sergio Rojas for The American Red Cross

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September 30, 2017. Barceloneta, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

Red Cross volunteers distribute water, food and other basic necessities to families affected by Hurricane Maria.

Photo by Sergio Rojas for The American Red Cross

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September 27, 2017. Naguabo, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

Red Cross volunteers distribute water, food and other basic necessities to families affected by Hurricane Maria.

Photo by Sergio Rojas for The American Red Cross

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September 27, 2017. Naguabo, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

Red Cross volunteers distribute water, food and other basic necessities to families affected by Hurricane Maria.

Photo by Sergio Rojas for The American Red Cross

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September 24, 2017. Toa Baja, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

Red Cross volunteers distribute water, blankets, diapers and other basic necessities to families affected by Hurricane Maria.

Photo by Luis Rivera for The American Red Cross.

October 18, 2017

Weeks after Hurricane Irma crashed into Florida leaving behind widespread devastation and Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the American Red Cross is working alongside government officials and disaster partners to help the people directly affected.

The Red Cross is mobilizing volunteers and relief supplies to help those in need. Getting relief materials to the islands is difficult, but the Red Cross is working with federal, corporate and community partners to get supplies to the region by both sea and air. The Red Cross relief effort stretches across multiple states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Hurricane Irma (Continental U.S. Only)

Overnight, 96 people stayed in one emergency shelter in Florida.

Along with our partners, we have served more than 1.5 million (1,581,000) meals and snacks across six states.

We’ve distributed more than 1 million (1,073,000) relief items like diapers, bug spray, cleaning supplies, coolers, and comfort kits containing deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste and other hygiene items across six states.

Red Cross volunteers have provided more than 51,900 mental health and health services to support and care for those affected across six states.

More than 670 Red Cross disaster workers are responding to Irma now.

Hurricanes Irma and Maria (Puerto Rico and USVI)

In Puerto Rico, more than 4,800 people stayed overnight in 104 government evacuation shelters.

On the U.S. Virgin Islands, 309 people stayed overnight in 5 shelters.

More than 680 Red Cross disaster workers are supporting relief efforts in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Along with our partners, the Red Cross has served more than 622,000 (622,356) meals and snacks across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

We’ve distributed more than 906,000 relief items across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Red Cross volunteers have provided more than 14,500 mental health and health services to support and care for those affected.

After Irma and Maria struck Puerto Rico, the Red Cross has served more than 542,000 meals and snacks, distributed more than 646,000 relief supplies, and provided more than 10,500 mental health and health services to people in need. Right now, 506 trained Red Cross disaster workers are helping.

After Irma and Maria struck the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Red Cross has served more than 79,400 meals and snacks, handed out more than 259,000 relief items, and provided more than 3,900 mental health and health services to people in need. Right now, 177 trained Red Cross disaster workers are helping.

How to Help

The need for blood is constant. The Red Cross depends on generous volunteer blood donors to provide lifesaving blood for those in need – each and every day – not only during times of disaster. We are grateful to our dedicated donors who roll up a sleeve to help their fellow American citizen.

Help people affected by Hurricane Irma by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word IRMA to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Help people affected by Hurricane Maria by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word MARIA to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.