By Frederic Klein/American Red Cross

Aaron Sims was woken up in the middle of the night by the sound of people evacuating. In the chaos, he managed to grab only a few personal items—most notably, his cycling equipment. These were more than just possessions to him; they were essential to his training for a 2,700-mile touring race from Canada to New Mexico later this year.

Sims has been staying at an American Red Cross shelter in Pasadena, since the Southern California Fires destroyed the home he shared with four roommates. The wildfire spread rapidly, leaving residents with little time to gather their belongings.

Karen Warner, a Red Cross volunteer from Pennsylvania, has been working closely with Sims over the past several days, helping him navigate the challenges of recovery.

Her role, like that of many other Red Cross volunteers, is to ensure those affected by disaster have the resources needed to move forward. Thanks to Warner's efforts, Sims is ready to transition into a new home and take the next steps toward rebuilding his life.

The Red Cross has a dedicated team of shelter transition workers whose mission is to identify and address the obstacles preventing shelter residents from taking the next step toward stability. These workers help residents secure financial assistance, connect with other non-profits and access resources from government and commercial partners.

Each household’s path to recovery is unique and Red Cross ensures every resident has a team in place to support their journey to find a housing solution that fits their specific needs.

As Sims moves into his new home, he carries with him not only the support of the Red Cross but also the determination to continue his training and look ahead to a brighter future.

The Red Cross will remain committed to assisting shelter residents like Aaron until each one has a sustainable plan for recovery.

Be a part of someone's disaster recovery! Sign up to volunteer at redcross.org/volunteer.

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.