Flashback to this day last year – New Year’s Eve of 2019. Many had their New Year’s resolutions set, were ringing in the New Year with friends and loved ones, but most of all, each of us had hope and excitement for what the new decade would bring.
Fast forward two months and our lives shifted in a way we never could have imagined. Some became isolated from loved ones, others lost jobs, while many fell ill. All aspects of our lives changed in one way, shape, or form. Summer vacations were canceled, birthdays and holidays were spent alone or celebrated virtually, offices became kitchen tables or couches, classrooms were now on a computer and parents became teachers.
As 2020 comes to a close and we reflect on the past year, there is one constant that never wavered – the American Red Cross.
Although the way the Red Cross responded to disasters changed to keep the safety of the workforce as a top priority, the mission never changed. The mission to alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies.
2020 not only brought the unknown of a worldwide pandemic, but it brought nationwide disasters that devasted communities time and time again. From western wildfires to countless hurricanes to home fires, the Red Cross was always there.
These disasters during the coronavirus pandemic led to families spending more nights in emergency lodging in 2020 than any other year in the past decade. Altogether, the American Red Cross and partners provided more than 1.3 million overnight stays this year.
With the Red Cross responding to numerous large-scale disasters, many forget that they also respond to the most common and frequent disasters – home fires. 90% of the disasters responded to are home fires making them the number one disaster response nationwide.
Since January 1, 2020, the Red Cross South Florida Region has responded to 631 home fires, assisted 2,669 clients, and provided 469 individuals with health and mental health services.
For those that have experienced a home fire, it can be the darkest day of their lives. Watching your home and everything in it burn to the ground in a matter of minutes. The Red Cross is there to help those heal after such a devastating loss.
Representing more than 90% of the Red Cross workforce, volunteers are the backbone of our lifesaving mission and help provide hope, comfort, and aid to those affected by disasters, big and small.
In a year that presented many challenges, the South Florida Region volunteers continued to raise their hand to help in any way possible. Some of their time was spent responding to disasters virtually while others deployed multiple times to help those in need in other areas of the country.
Red Cross volunteers and donors make it possible to fulfill the mission day in and day out, during a disaster and even a pandemic. Thank you to the Red Cross South Florida Region volunteers and donors for your unwavering support and dedication.
On the final day of 2020, looking into 2021 with hope for a better year ahead, please remember those that still need help. Help us continue to prevent and alleviate human suffering during a time when so many people have lost so much. You can give with meaning by making a donation at redcross.org/gift. Every American Red Cross donation helps change lives.
Written by Siara Campbell