La madre expresó con profunda gratitud: "Si no fuera por la Cruz Roja, no sé qué hubiéramos hecho. Las enfermeras ayudan con el bebé y el Sr. Olivo se encarga de las cosas en la computadora".

Translated to English: The mother expressed with deep gratitude: "If it weren't for the Red Cross, I don't know what we would have done. Nurses help with the baby, and Mr. Olivo handles things on the computer."

"Mi esposo ahora sale temprano todas las mañanas para trabajar con los equipos que limpian los escombros de los huracanes. Va a ayudar a la gente a reconstruir los daños de sus casas", agregó con orgullo.

Translated to English: “My husband now goes out early every morning to work with teams cleaning up debris from the hurricanes. He's going to help people rebuild the damage to their homes," she added proudly.

LET is brought into a disaster response to establish and/or build trust and relationships in predominantly Latino neighborhoods. The team uses a client-focused approach to ensure equitable service delivery. These teams feature members who speak Spanish, are culturally sensitive, and are experienced in working with diverse and historically marginalized communities.  

Hurricanes Milton and Helene brought back-to-back storms with damaging winds and heavy rains to Florida and states across the Southeast. As communities continue their long road to recovery, the Latino Engagement Team has been seeking out primarily Spanish-speaking communities that may not have access to information and resources.

With that information, the Red Cross disaster response teams can gather and distribute the needed resources to these communities. Once these relationships are formed, the Latino Engagement Team will bring in the local Red Cross to continue the relationship after a disaster. The regional teams will continue to go into these communities to build resiliency through disaster preparedness.

The Latino Engagement Team brings hope into the community

Gloria Lopez was home with her children when Hurricane Milton ripped through Mulberry, FL. With nowhere to go, they decided to hunker down in their home and hope they would survive the storm.

The community of Willow Oak endured 8 days without power in the aftermath of Milton. As the community recovered, LET was there gathering information on its continued needs.

“Tuvimos que aguantar y seguir luchando,” dijo Candelaria Morales.

Translated to English: “We had to stay and keep fighting,” said Candelaria Morales.

The Latino Engagement Team returned to the Willow Oak Community with diapers, wipes, formula and other non-perishable goods to give to families without access to resources. LET continues to find and visit communities with ongoing needs.

“Ayudar a las familias a encontrar sus próximos pasos es algo que te llena el corazón,” dijo Olivo.

Translated to English: “Helping families find their next steps is something that really fills your heart,” said Olivo.

For weeks, weary families across the Southeast have been living with the inconceivable damage left behind after Hurricanes Milton and Helene. As families try to take their next steps, nearly 1,200 American Red Cross responders are with them, providing shelter, meals, relief supplies and a shoulder to lean to make sure no one faces this disaster alone.

Our work isn’t close to being done. Alongside our partners, the Red Cross will be there to support those in need for weeks and months to come.

People affected by these disasters need urgent help now, and we can’t do this alone. You can help by making a financial donation, an appointment to give blood or platelets, or signing up to become a volunteer by visiting redcross.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).