When a major disaster strikes, your community needs compassionate, prepared volunteers who are ready to help.

Shelter Heroes are part of a roster of trained American Red Cross volunteers across North and Central Florida who can step forward to support their neighbors following hurricanes, wildfires, and other emergencies.

As natural disasters become more frequent and intense, the need for local volunteers continues to grow. You can help provide comfort, care and hope when people need it most.

Shelter Heroes may help:

• Support residents staying in emergency shelters
• Welcome and register people arriving for assistance
• Provide meals, snacks and essential relief supplies
• Help create a safe, welcoming environment for people displaced by disaster
• Support other disaster relief activities before, during and after an emergency

No previous disaster experience is required. The American Red Cross will provide the training and resources you need.

Shelter Heroes should be:

• Available at least once a year for three consecutive days following a major disaster, such as a hurricane
• Willing to complete training for emergency sheltering, meal delivery and other disaster relief roles
• Prepared to work alongside Red Cross staff, volunteers and community partners
• Committed to helping make their community stronger, safer and more resilient

Volunteer assignments, schedules and availability needs may vary depending on the disaster and community needs.

The American Red Cross provides:

• In-person and virtual training for disaster relief and sheltering roles
• Guidance and support before and during volunteer assignments
• Connections to preparedness resources and lifesaving training
• Opportunities to help your community prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies

You do not have to travel across the country to make a difference. As a Shelter Hero, you can be ready to help your own neighbors when disaster affects your community.

Be ready when your community needs you most.