TAMPA, Fla. – OCTOBER 28, 2022 – One month after Hurricane Ian devastated large areas of our state -- destroying or causing major damage to at least 11,000 homes -- relief organizations, including the American Red Cross, are still at work supporting people impacted by this massive storm.

“The resilience of our neighbors has been inspiring and a source of strength for so many,” said Eric Corliss, Regional CEO, American Red Cross of Central Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands, “The Red Cross served these communities before this disaster, responding to home fires and storms, and we will remain here, helping our neighbors recover and building more resilient communities.”

Below is an overview of the work of the Red Cross across Florida, from pre-landfall through October 27, 2022:
 

• Since shelters were opened for this disaster, the Red Cross and our partners have provided nearly  40,000 overnight stays for more than 6,800 residents in more than 70 emergency shelters.
• With the help of partners and mobile kitchens, more than 1.5 million meals and snacks have been provided to people in need.
• More than 404,000 relief items like comfort (hygiene) kits and cleaning supplies (trash bags, tarps, bins, bleach, buckets, rakes, and shovels) have been distributed.
• More than 2,600 Red Crossers have supported relief efforts for this disaster from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the Northern Mariana Islands.
• 150 Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicles from across the country were sent to Florida to deliver meals and supplies.
• Red Cross disaster assessment teams have completed more than 156,000 door-to-door detailed residential property damage assessments, identifying more than 11,000 homes destroyed or suffered major damage.
• Red Cross reunification support has completed more than 1,900 welfare information requests.

Today, the work of the Red Cross continues:
 

• Five Red Cross managed shelters and one supported shelter remain open. Red Cross caseworkers and partner agencies are connecting with people still in shelters to help them plan for the future and make more sustainable accommodations in coordination with other community organizations.
• More than a dozen Red Cross disaster aid stations are open where people can get food, relief supplies and other assistance, and trained volunteers are providing health, mental health and spiritual support. Sites are updated daily in a pinned post at www.facebook.com@RedCrossCentralFlorida.
• Thousands of hot meals are prepared by partners each day and delivered by dozens of Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicles to fixed locations and on mobile routes.
• Red Cross disaster assessment teams continue conducting nearly 200,000 door-to-door detailed residential property damage assessments, including how many homes have been affected and the extent of that damage.
• The Red Cross Latino Engagement Team is conducting outreach in vulnerable communities, primarily Spanish-speaking communities, to help facilitate delivery of services. Learn more in this video.

HOW TO HELP You can help people affected by Hurricane Ian by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS, or texting the word IAN to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Your gift is a commitment to helping people in need, and every single donation matters.

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 territories of St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John and Water Island. For more information, visit redcross.org. Also find us on Facebook and Twitter.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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