By Anel Laj/American Red Cross

“What can I do to help?” This simple question sparked Daniel Gutierrez’s first-ever American Red Cross disaster deployment following the devastation Hurricane Helene wrought across North Carolina. Deploying as a member of the organization’s Latino Engagement Team (LET), he recognized the importance of providing focused assistance to Latino communities, ensuring language barriers and unique cultural needs were addressed so that all individuals affected by disasters received the support they required.

For 16 years, Gutierrez worked tirelessly behind the scenes at the Red Cross, impacting the lives of others in each of his roles. Currently the Los Angeles Region’s Fleet and Facilities Manager, he became aware of the challenges facing Spanish-speaking communities in North Carolina.

Reflecting on the difficulties his parents faced when they immigrated from Guanajuato, Mexico, Gutierrez felt a deep desire to give back. Inspired to expand his role and explore a deployment opportunity, he discussed it with his wife and they both agreed it was a step he needed to take.

The plane Gutierrez was scheduled to board was delayed by approximately 14 hours. Despite the transition team’s efforts to arrange alternative travel, Gutierrez began to feel a bit homesick. Stranded at the airport, he found himself reflecting on the journey ahead. He credits his wife for being a source of encouragement during those unexpected circumstances.

“My wife would say, ‘You’re doing this for a good cause.’ In no other capacity would she tell me to go on deployment because we are a tight-knit family, but because of the individuals I was meant to help, it was bigger than us,” Gutierrez said. “She encouraged me to hang in there. She was the biggest support in getting me on that initial flight. But once I was there, I was in full work mode. I was like, ‘Let’s go.’”

Gutierrez recalls feeling full of positive energy, ready to be of service when he first arrived. He was a little nervous and didn’t know what to expect as a first-time visitor to the U.S. South. However, when he arrived at the Asheville office, he felt welcomed. He recognized fellow Pomona Red Cross Regional Disaster Officer Erica Frausto-Aguado, who introduced him to the rest of the group, helping him adapt to his role. He teamed up with various volunteers from across the country, including Miss Linda from Wisconsin, and on one of his first days of deployment, they helped load and deliver over 3,000 pounds of food to a very grateful Latino community.

There are numerous roles during a deployment, ranging from food prep and meal service to reconnaissance and recovery services. For Gutierrez, every day involved scouting and driving down unpaved, unknown roads—some even barricaded. But he made courageous decisions to press forward if it meant reaching a community in need and serving a family.

“We engaged with almost every walk of life, every kind of individual you could possibly meet,” Gutierrez said. “Even though we were on the Latino Engagement Specialty Track, I ended up meeting and working with all kinds of different people. We ended up in a small town called Crumpler, almost near the Virginia state line. We met a community that hadn’t been reached by anybody. It’s amazing—the courage it takes to go, but then the reward of helping and supporting individuals made it worth that extra step.”

One of the most touching moments of Gutierrez’s deployment happened when he met Mr. Marco, a Latino man from Clyde, North Carolina. Initially hesitant and reluctant to accept help, Mr. Marco was focused on salvaging whatever was left of his home. In that private struggle, Gutierrez was able to create a moment of hope and comfort. He found a connection—their families were both from Guanajuato, Mexico. That small but meaningful bond helped open the lines of communication, build trust, and engage on a deeper level.

Gutierrez exchanged phone numbers with Mr. Marco, ensuring he could get the help he needed. Through this contact, Gutierrez was able to connect him with a community church, eventually extending support to even more people.

Looking back, those two weeks working with LET proved to be a fulfilling experience—one Gutierrez may consider again in the future when the timing is right for his family. He was proud to be part of a region where so many people deployed to help those in need. He valued bonding with those members and meeting new people from different parts of the country, such as Miss Linda from Wisconsin and Mr. Erick from Government Relations in San Diego.

“Once you start talking to people, when you show up, open up and you’re ready to help, people respond,” Gutierrez said. “If you just show up for any individual, in my opinion and stay as open as you can possibly be, they will open up too.”

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.