TAMPA, Fla. – DECEMBER 1, 2020 – More than 1 million times this year, someone has relied on the American Red Cross for emergency lodging after a disaster in the U.S. That’s more than four times the annual average from 2011 to 2019.

In Central Florida, while we were spared the direct impact of a catastrophic disaster, thousands have been affected by home fires, severe storms and tornados. The landfall path of Tropical Storm Eta also moved across Florida, causing downed trees, community flooding, power outages and damage to homes.

On every occasion, Red Cross volunteers were ready to help – in-person following CDC guidelines and virtually by phone – to meet immediate needs like emergency lodging and food, and to provide a caring touch and emotional support. 

“Through it all, more people are stepping up as Red Cross volunteers to help others -- even as they cope with the challenges of an ongoing pandemic,” said Eric Corliss, CEO, American Red Cross of Central Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands.  

THOUSANDS ANSWER CALL TO HELP  Across the country, more than 70,000 people joined the Red Cross this year as volunteers – who represent more than 90% of our workforce. This included more than 150 new local volunteers who filled mission-critical positions, such as shelter and health workers, responding locally and deploying across the country after major hurricanes and western wildfires.

Seminole County volunteer Tricia Rubino explained why she helps.  "It has really been humbling to be a part of the Red Cross. I wanted to be part of an organization that was able to respond and show support for community members at a time when they are most vulnerable," she said.

LOCAL EMERGENCIES DON’T STOP  This year (through October), local Red Cross volunteers have assisted more than 4,000 individuals affected by local disasters like home fires. These “every day” disasters included more than 30 multi-family fires (apartments or condominiums) across 11 counties.

ONE LOCAL HOME FIRE SURVIVORS STORY  Kayla Senn and her two young children were among local families displaced by an apartment fire during the COVID-19 pandemic. They were sound asleep when their home caught fire, and they just had enough time to get out, losing most all of their belongings.

Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteers responded to the scene, providing immediate assistance -- and much more. "We were in such state of shock and confusion, that it was so amazing for somebody to come up and say, I know you're going through something right now and you can't really think straight, but we're here to hold your hand and walk you through it," Senn said. See more of her story on Vimeo.

HOW YOU CAN HELP On Giving Tuesday and during the holiday season, give hope in times of crisis -- whether someone needs a safe place to stay after a home fire, a lifesaving blood transfusion or help contacting a loved one deployed with the military during an emergency. Your gift made at  redcross.org/gift supports the urgent humanitarian work of the American Red Cross. A gift of any size makes a difference.

The American Red Cross of Central Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands serves 19 Florida counties through five chapters: Florida’s Space Coast (Daytona Beach), Greater Orlando, Mid-Florida (Winter Haven), Southwest Florida (Sarasota) and Tampa Bay, and the Virgin Islands of St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John and Water Island. For more information, visit redcross.org/centralflorida and redcross.org/USVI. Also find us on Facebook and Twitter.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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