Twenty years ago, Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast with devastating force, leaving behind a trail of destruction that reshaped communities and lives forever. It was one of the most catastrophic natural disasters in U.S. history — and the largest humanitarian response the American Red Cross has ever undertaken.
In the days that followed, nearly a quarter of a million Red Crossers — the vast majority of which were volunteers — mobilized to provide shelter, food, comfort and hope. We provided 3.8 million overnight stays in shelters across 31 states and D.C., served nearly 68 million meals, and distributed $1.5 billion in financial assistance to 1.4 million families.
But the true story goes beyond numbers. It lives in the moments of connection: a grandmother reunited with her family, a child finding safety in a shelter gym, a volunteer driving cross-country to lend a hand.
Katrina marked a turning point. It revealed the scale of coordination and partnership required in a disaster of this magnitude and underscored how inclusion and accessibility must shape every response. It reminded us that communities aren’t rebuilt by aid alone — they’re restored through listening, trust and sustained engagement.
In the years since, we’ve worked to honor those lessons. The Red Cross has modernized our disaster response systems, deepened community relationships, and invested in preparedness and resilience, especially in communities too often left behind. We carry the responsibility to respond with even greater care, accountability and readiness.
This August, as we mark two decades since the storm, we remember the lives lost and the communities forever changed. We honor the strength of survivors and the compassion of those who stepped forward to help. And we recommit ourselves to the mission that guides us still: to alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies.
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.