Dania Bethea is an avid reader whose interests range from scripture to the Twilight series. She taught herself to read and plans to return to school after illness during the COVID-19 pandemic prevented her from graduating from high school.

Now, she is also preparing for a move.

The Aug. 11 storms left Dania unable to return to her home without many of her belongings. She was among thousands of Hoosiers affected by the severe weather that prompted the American Red Cross to open shelters across Indiana.

At a Red Cross emergency shelter, Dania found a safe place to stay and the support she needed to continue working. Along with meals, showers and a place to charge her devices, the shelter offered some routine amid the uncertainty. For Dania, that meant “feeling safe and protected” and “staying fresh and sanitized.”

While meeting those immediate needs, Red Cross recovery caseworkers also work one-on-one with shelter residents to understand their circumstances and help them plan what comes next.

Dania began working with Thomas DeHoyos, a Red Cross volunteer from Alaska, to prepare for life beyond the shelter. As they talked, she shared her love of reading and her hopes for continuing her education. Thomas encouraged her plans to return to school.

“What stood out to me was her resilience... she’s a fighter,” says Thomas.

With support from recovery caseworkers, Dania and other shelter residents now have housing plans lined up. As part of this response, the Red Cross is providing a deposit and first month’s rent for those approved for their new living arrangements. They will also receive welcome kits with household essentials, including towels, linens, cookware and kitchen utensils.

“Red Cross answered all my dreams,” says Dania.

Every household faces different challenges after a disaster, and recovery continues long after someone leaves a shelter. Red Cross caseworkers help residents develop plans and connect with resources to support the work ahead.

For Dania, leaving the shelter is another step toward the life she is working to build. Once she settles into her new home, her next goal is to have her 9-month-old son living with her again. She also plans to return to school.

“It’s all love here,” says Dania, “I have someone next to me to push me into the next stage of life.”

To learn more about how the Red Cross is supporting communities across Indiana, visit RedCross.org/Indiana.

Written by Aileen Blomdal.