When historic flash flooding impacted communities across Fairfield County on Sept. 13, American Red Cross volunteers quickly mobilized to help residents facing unexpected challenges.

Over the past week, more than 75 Red Cross volunteers have supported affected communities by assessing damage, providing recovery support, delivering meals and connecting residents with available resources. The Red Cross estimates that more than 1,000 homes were affected by the flooding.

For Bridgeport residents Jeanne and Joe Reed, that support came at a critical time.

After the flooding left them without power for several days, Red Cross volunteers were there to help them through the uncertainty that followed. Volunteers delivered meals, checked in regularly and made sure the couple had the support they needed. A Red Cross nurse also stopped by to provide care and assistance.

When it became necessary for Jeanne and Joe to move to a temporary hotel, volunteers helped them gather their belongings and prepare for the transition.

For Jeanne, knowing they didn't have to face the situation alone meant everything.

"This is a big deal," she said. "When you're going through something like this, it means so much to know you're not alone and that people are there to help."

Across Fairfield County, stories like Jeanne and Joe's reflect the impact of volunteers working to help families recover and move forward after a disaster.

Working alongside local and state government agencies, emergency management officials and community partners, including Team Rubicon, The Salvation Army, CERT teams and Southern Baptist Disaster Relief, the Red Cross continues to help identify community needs and connect affected households with assistance. Volunteers have also distributed cleanup supplies and provided ongoing support as recovery efforts continue.

"The response to the Fairfield County flooding has demonstrated the incredible impact volunteers can have when communities need help most," said Susan Shaw, Regional Disaster Officer for the American Red Cross Connecticut and Rhode Island Region. "As recovery efforts continue, we remain grateful to the volunteers, partners and local officials who have come together to support their neighbors."

Residents affected by the flooding who need assistance can call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).