^{By: Sherry Nicholson}

Amid the challenges of delivering the Red Cross mission in Georgia during the COVID-19 pandemic, a quickly mobilized response to the massive Avana on Main apartment fire in Buckhead, August 19, 2020, stands as a testament to disaster volunteers statewide.

(ATLANTA, Dec. 22, 2020) – He was driving home from the store, recalls former Avana on Main apartment resident Darrell Stafford, and found his street in the Lindbergh area of Atlanta blocked by fire trucks. He parked where he could and began walking toward the four-story complex.  The picture unfolding was surreal  - smoke and flames from the roof, a sea of people on the sidewalk, police, firemen, media, and the Red Cross. Darrell’s home on the top floor, one of 201 occupied units in the complex? Destroyed.

“You hear about things like this living in the city but when it actually happens…,” his voice trailed.

While stunned and talking to neighbors, someone from the complex management office directed Darrell to nearby Passion City Church where church volunteers and Red Cross disaster workers were set-up to help. It was a place to get out of the rain, he thought and opened the door to find friendly, caring people, water, and snacks at a welcome table. He and his neighbors spoke with Red Cross caseworkers who provided information and assistance for immediate emergency needs like temporary lodging, food, clothing, personal care items, and health and emotional support. Volunteers continued seeing clients at the recovery center over the weekend to ensure those who left the scene of the fire early on could return for help.

“Through the years you’re aware of the Red Cross and see how they step up to help but to watch it happening in real-time and have things run as smoothly as they did… it surprised me,” said a grateful Darrell.

In the weeks that followed, Red Cross caseworker Linda DeVane followed up with Darrell virtually to guide him through the recovery process.

Along with Red Cross assistance, he felt like one of the lucky ones to come out of the experience with his phone, wallet, car and keys, renter’s insurance, and a support system.  Still, it wasn’t easy.

“I was in a state of shock for days,” said Darrell. 

“Emotional support was one of the most valuable things the Red Cross provided.”

Nearly 60 Red Cross disaster workers from across the state – most volunteers – worked virtually and in-person following CDC and health department guidelines to assist the displaced residents of the Avana on Main apartment fire. They helped 281 people (168 families) like Darrell Stafford who found themselves suddenly homeless. Along with Red Cross assistance for immediate emergency needs, clients received referrals for additional help available to them in the community.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by generous financial donations from the community. To help Georgia families impacted by home fires and other disasters that occur year-round, visit www.redcross.org/georgia.