The American Red Cross of the Pacific Coast is continuing to support multiple residents affected by wildfires throughout Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties. The following shelter locations are currently open to support evacuees:

San Marcos High School, 4750 Hollister Avenue, Santa Barbara, CA 93110

Minami Community Center, 600 W. Enos Dr., Santa Maria, CA 93458

The shelter location at Santa Ynez Elementary School transitioned to standby Sunday evening after all the needs of the shelter residents had been met. An additional shelter was opened Sunday afternoon at Santa Margarita Elementary School for families affected by the Stone Fire. That shelter will transition to standby mode Monday as evacuation orders are lifted, and families can begin their recovery process or return home.

“Our disaster teams have been working around the clock to help dozens of families affected by these fires,” said Red Cross Executive Director Kimberly Coley, “Volunteers have not only been meeting their physical needs like lodging and food, but also providing comfort and hope.”

Since the fires first broke out on Friday, the local Red Cross has provided more than 60 overnight stays at four different shelters, and served nearly 500 meals and snacks. Scores of additional residents have also been coming through the shelters on a temporary basis, to receive emergency information and minimal assistance.

STAY INFORMED

The Red Cross urges everyone to follow evacuation orders from local law enforcement and have an emergency kit ready go for any disaster including wildfires. Visit http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/wildfire to learn more.

Follow the local Red Cross on Twitter and Facebook for additional updates.

HOW TO HELP

Each disaster is unique and so are the needs of its victims. Financial donations are the quickest and best way to get help to the people who need it most. Every single donation brings hope to those in need. 

You can help people affected by disasters like Central California Wildfire and countless other crises by making a donation to support Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare fore, respond to, and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800 RED CROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Trained Red Cross volunteers are currently staffing shelters and supporting residents. As the disaster continues to evolve, the Red Cross will assess how community volunteers can best support the operation.

“The Red Cross is more than 90% led by volunteers,” said Coley, “They are the life-blood of the organization, and we rely on them to support the mission every day, even when we’re not in a disaster.”

Learn more about becoming a registered Red Cross volunteer or sign up today at redcross.org/volunteer. 

About the American Red Cross Central California Region

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. The American Red Cross Central California Region provides services to the ten counties across Central California that is home to more than 4 million people. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org.