18 Northern California volunteers deployed to support relief efforts
SAN FRANCISCO, January 9, 2025 — The American Red Cross is on the ground helping Southern California residents affected by the massive, fast-moving wildfires that continue to destroy homes, neighborhoods, businesses and livelihoods. We’re focused on making sure everyone has a safe place to stay and that no one faces this heartbreaking crisis alone.
As of today, 18 local volunteers from the Northern California Coastal Region have deployed to join the hundreds of Red Crossers who are supporting relief efforts. In addition, the organization is mobilizing truckloads of supplies like cots, blankets and water and are prepared to assist thousands of additional people in emergency shelters as the wildfires evolves.
The threat isn’t over. More communities remain at risk. It’s critical that people remain vigilant, be prepared to evacuate and follow directives from local authorities as the situation evolves. Right now, many are struggling with the uncertainty of whether they’ll still have a home or community to return to in the days ahead. If you or a loved one needs help, reach out to the free 24/7 multilingual Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 for support.
FIND A SHELTER Anyone who needs a safe place to stay can find shelters on redcross.org, the free Red Cross Emergency app or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767). Search “American Red Cross” in app stores or go to redcross.org/apps. You can also follow your local Red Cross or emergency officials on social media, sign up for free local government alerts or monitor local news.
Red Cross shelters are open to everyone in need, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability or citizenship status. All disaster assistance is free. We don’t require people to show any kind of identification to enter a shelter — just their name and where they were living before the disaster.
HOW YOU CAN HELP To ensure people have the help they need, the Red Cross depends on public support. Please click, text or call to support Red Cross Disaster Relief and help people affected by disasters like fires, storms and countless other crises. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small.
For those interested in helping people specifically affected by the recent wildfires, we ask that they write “California Wildfires 2025” in the memo line of a check and mail it with a completed donation form to the address on the form or to their local Red Cross chapter. Find the donation form at redcross.org/donate.
RECONNECT WITH LOVED ONES If you need assistance locating a missing loved one because of the fires, the Red Cross may be able to help. Reach us at 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and be ready to provide as much detail as possible to assist us in potentially locating your missing loved one.
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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
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