By Josh Davis, Red Cross volunteer

Like many city dwellers, Analys Barinaga and Claudia Dougherty of Washington, D.C. live without a car. Yet they have made an enormous impact volunteering as part of the disaster response team with the Red Cross of the National Capital and Greater Chesapeake Region.

Dougherty has been an active volunteer for the Red Cross since 2020. When the Red Cross calls, she gets rides or carpools with other volunteers.

“We are guiding folks who have lost their homes to disasters on the first steps to recovering and rebuilding their lives. We are really giving folks the means to a warm and safe bed while they evaluate their next steps,” she said.

“One evening I remember, in the aftermath of an apartment building fire, we had been on scene for hours to provide support, guidance, and resources to dozens of residents who were able to hold folks' hands through a really difficult moment. I've even responded to fires just down the street from my own home,” she added.

Barinaga is a George Washington University student who often takes the subway to be among first responders to home fires and other emergencies. She uses her bilingual skills to help Spanish-speaking residents both in person and over the phone.

“The idea of volunteering with the Red Cross first crossed my mind when I was sitting in a class called ‘Transitional Justice’ and the professor mentioned how the Red Cross does so much good work after disasters around the world,” Barinaga said. “I was familiar with the Red Cross' work, but her words that day sparked something in me … I had a feeling that it would be a great fit.”

Barinaga keenly remembers the first time she helped during an emergency.

“I was coming back from a morning run and saw a swarm of fire trucks and news crews across the block from my dorm room,” she said. “I texted my supervisor about the situation [and] she let me know that the Red Cross was already on it and looped me in on the information for helping with the resettlement effort.

“That was my first time working on a multifamily fire and I was able to help with the feeding, organization, and translating for displaced residents. Getting to be part of the response for a fire right next to home has stuck with me,” she added.

Volunteers are the lifeblood of the American Red Cross. And the Red Cross makes volunteering a good fit for everyone who generously gives their time and compassion to support those who look to the Red Cross for help.

Barinaga said balancing volunteering with her other obligations is made easier through the support of her team members.

“I have so much gratitude for all the other Disaster Action Team (DAT) members that have been willing to drive me to response sites and for my supervisors who have been incredibly understanding of my schedule,” she said. “Through being a DAT team member, I have met truly amazing volunteers, been a listening ear during some of the people's most vulnerable moments, and have learned important skills that extend beyond my DAT work.”

“Being able to empathize with other people is humbling and grounding. I feel a strong sense of community and teamwork on the DAT team, all centered around the volunteering mission,” she said.

Dougherty agrees that volunteering can be challenging, but the feeling of helping others makes it worthwhile.

“I have gotten a lot from my community in both good and bad times, and it feels good to give back,” she said. “I find it rewarding to be able to put my skills to use and to be able to connect to community and my own local neighborhood.

“Volunteering is definitely a very real commitment – and you get as much out of it as you put in,” she continued. “What sets Red Cross apart is that these are very real people in very real dangerous situations that you're helping out. You also get a sense of fulfillment from making just a bit of difference for folks who have suffered a disaster.

“Everything helps,” Dougherty added. “Whatever [volunteer role] you have the time and capacity for is a gift and we are so extraordinarily grateful.”

****

From supporting people affected by disasters to driving Red Cross vehicles or checking in donors at blood drives, there are Red Cross volunteer roles that can work for people in any walk of life.

To help make a difference in your community, visit redcross.org/volunteer.