By Kelly Isenor, American Red Cross

“It was like three hurricanes hit us,” remembers Barbara Howard of Pine Island.

She was home when Hurricane Ian devastated her community and watched as the howling wind and rain battered her front door, causing it to bend and buckle as though it was made of rubber. 

“As it would gap, more air would come in. I knew, if my door went, my house would be gone, and so would I,” she said. “So I leaned against it. I pulled a shelving unit against the door, and I held it for two hours.”

Barbara lives with multiple sclerosis, and the stress from surviving Ian caused a relapse, meaning she was unable to leave her home to pick up things like food and household items. Instead, two Red Cross volunteers, William Demaculangan and Alina San Diego have been bringing her meals, supplies, and companionship on regular visits.

The couple lives in St. Petersburg, about two hours away, and when they saw the news footage of Ian’s destruction, they quickly threw a mattress, composting toilet, and microwave into their minivan and hit the road to help out as first-time Red Cross disaster relief volunteers

“It’s just been really impressive how organized the Red Cross is in the midst of all this chaos,” said William. 

Barbara Howard’s neighbor mentioned her plight to the pair while they were handing out supplies at a Red Cross Disaster Aid Station. The two then headed out to Howard’s neighborhood with supplies and spoke to residents to see exactly where she was and what she needed. Barbara was struck by Alina’s determination to do whatever was needed. 

In addition to providing support and comfort to Barbara, William and Alina also canvased the neighborhood to serve her neighbors.

Barbara knows there is a long road ahead, but she’s grateful for the support she has received from volunteers like William and Alina … or, as she calls them, “Those good people with the red shirts.”