By Alexis Gonzalez

The American Red Cross has partnered with the Blessings from Heaven Foundation to assess damage caused by Hurricanes Milton and Helene. Chaplains and foundation members have spent the past three weekends in flooded communities cleaning up damage inside and around homes.

This weekend, foundation members based in Miami, Fl, assisted the Red Cross in its new Direct Disaster Assessment Observation (DDAO) pilot program.

“Our foundation founder, Pastor Alex Tapia, received the call to assist the Red Cross with damage assessment in the Tampa area, and without hesitation, we said yes and came out to help,” says Chaplain Tanya Magreña.

The partnership between the Red Cross in Florida and the foundation started about two years ago. The Red Cross trained foundation members in how to open and run disaster shelters, and the members then trained other churches from Martin County to Key West.

“When the Red Cross calls, we answer and go where they need us,” says Magreña about the ongoing relationship with the Red Cross, which also trained volunteers in damage assessment.

“The Red Cross team has been so kind and patient in teaching us how to use the survey system and the best practices for damage assessment. It is new for us, but we are always willing to learn. The teams take care of us every time we go out with them,” says Chaplan Alexandria Villa.

The Red Cross recently began its Direct Disaster Assessment Observation Program (DDAO). This new initiative empowers local and “just-in-time” volunteers like the Blessings From Heaven Foundation to make a meaningful impact, even if they can serve only a day or two.

Traditionally, Red Cross volunteers spend several hours learning to assess hurricane damage, the first step in determining the type of aid the Red Cross can provide. Trained volunteers, who can devote at least two weeks of their time. are deployed from around the country to hurricane-ravaged areas.

The unusual need caused by back-to-back hurricanes gave rise to DDAO, where local volunteers quickly learn in a 90-minute training session how to download, access, and use the Survey123 app before heading into the field with a supervisor. Once on-site, they approach homes, capture three photos, write a brief narrative, and upload the information—quickly equipping the Red Cross with vital data needed to effectively bring aid to those most affected by the destruction caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. This streamlined process maximizes the speed and reach of critical support.

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.

Hurricane season isn’t over. If you want to make a difference in the lives of others, consider putting on a red vest and joining us. Become a volunteer by visiting redcross.org/volunteer or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).