Harvey: One Week after Landfall, 42,000+ People in Red Cross and Partner Shelters

September 01, 2017

See Where Your Red Cross Donations Are Going

Washington, D.C., September 1, 2017 — One week after Harvey made landfall in Texas, the American Red Cross continues to work around the clock to help thousands affected by Hurricane Harvey as catastrophic flooding continues along the Gulf Coast.

Tens of thousands of people are escaping the devastation in hundreds of Red Cross and community shelters, many having lost everything except what they could carry as they fled their flooded neighborhoods.

“I was in Texas this week and met many survivors of this catastrophic storm who have lost everything but are still resilient and grateful to be safe, and for the help they are receiving thanks to generous donations from the American people,” said Gail McGovern, president and CEO of the American Red Cross. “I also saw the work or our incredible volunteers and partners working around the clock to deliver comfort, care and hope. We are providing emergency relief right now, and as these days turn into weeks, we’ll work with individuals and families to help them get back on their feet.”

While in Texas, McGovern described how financial donations are being used.

You can learn more about where your donations are going in this video message from Gail McGovern.

“Huge disasters like Hurricane Harvey are extremely difficult, but we always strive to do the right thing. Americans work hard for their money, and we’re committed to being the very best stewards of our donor’s dollars. We keep our expenses low, and 91 cents of every dollar we spend for this disaster will go to help people affected by Hurricane Harvey. We are very proud of the fact that our overhead is low because it allows us to spend more on the people we serve.”

WHERE YOUR DONATIONS ARE GOING

The outpouring of financial support for the Red Cross relief effort along the Gulf Coast has been tremendous. The following is an example of how those generous donations are being used:

Donations pay for Red Cross shelters and the volunteers who are supporting them. Last night, more than 42,000 people sought refuge in 258 Red Cross and partner shelters across Texas. An additional 1,500 people stayed in six emergency shelters in Louisiana; and a handful of people spent the night in evacuation shelters in Tennessee.

Donations pay to transport more than 2,300 disaster workers to Texas, whether by plane, bus or car. More than 700 additional workers are traveling to Texas now.

Donations pay for shelter supplies like cots, blankets and hygiene kits for 75,000 people with additional supplies for 10,000 people on the way.

Donations pay for the more than 392,000 meals and snacks we have served with our partners since the storm began.

Donations pay for the gas and equipment to power our feeding efforts. Trailers of supplies to support 10 mobile kitchens, each able to produce 10,000 meals a day, are in Texas alongside more than 200 emergency response vehicles.

Donations pay to support the mental health and health services professionals who support and care for evacuees – some 8,000 contacts have already been made.

Donations pay for relief items like diapers and comfort kits that contain deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste and other hygiene items for people forced from their homes. We’ve distributed 26,000 so far and this number will grow as people are able to return home.

Donations also pay to provide warehouses, technology – and the people that make all of this help possible for Hurricane Harvey.

“We are so grateful for the outpouring of support for the Red Cross mission as we continue to help people affected by this deadly storm,” McGovern continued. “Our donors should be proud of how their donations are being used to help save lives and support people during some of their darkest days imaginable. It truly is America at its best, and we stand with the people of Texas during this difficult time.”

HOW YOU CAN HELP

The Red Cross depends on financial donations to be able to provide disaster relief immediately. Help people affected by Hurricane Harvey by visiting redcross.org, calling 1- 800-RED CROSS or texting the word HARVEY to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from this disaster.

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.