When storms strike, the American Red Cross answers a simple mission: to alleviate human suffering. In early August, severe storms swept through the Midwest, and in Gary, Indiana, hundreds were displaced. The Red Cross opened shelters in the Hoosier State not only to provide safety but to remind people they are not alone. 

Inside the shelter at Hudson & Cambell Sports and Fitness Center, you could spot Ted Brechbill in his Red Cross vest, walking quietly through the rows of tables, offering a compassionate ear, a prayer, or a private space for reflection. Ted is a Disaster Spiritual Care volunteer with the North Mississippi Chapter of the American Red Cross and answered the call to serve those impacted by the storms in Gary. He began volunteering with the Red Cross a decade ago to give back and to help people find resilience in the darkest hours. 

“Spiritual care is the ministry of presence,” said Ted. “Our job is to help people find resilience within themselves.” That presence can take the shape of a hug, a holding hand, or giving someone room to cry. Those small acts often become the first step toward healing. Ted shared that he has seen time and time again that disasters may break routines, but they don’t break the human spirit. 

The American Red Cross provides Disaster Spiritual Care services to offer emotional comfort, listening support to people affected by disasters, regardless of their specific faith tradition. When storms shake lives, Red Cross shelters nourish more than the body, they feed the soul. 

When disaster strikes, serving the spirit is vital because volunteers often meet people on some of the worst days of their lives. “When disasters happen we all take information differently,” said Ted. “As spiritual care volunteers we understand we can’t make the situation that clients are facing go away, but one of our main goals is to simply listen.” That listening, paired with practical support, helps people begin to rebuild. Spiritual care is a fundamental component of mass care, and it has been shown to have a positive impact on individuals and communities experiencing crisis and hardship.  

Every year, the American Red Cross responds to an average of about 65,000 disasters across the United States. Major disasters are occurring more frequently than ever and the need for compassionate volunteers continues to grow. Ted sees himself as a second responder: “These people are facing the unthinkable, and I hope that my support can make a difference in their lives.” 

The Red Cross relies on dedicated volunteers like Ted to fulfill its humanitarian mission. If you want to be the presence that helps someone, take the first steps towards healing, consider joining Disaster Spiritual Care or another volunteer role. Visit RedCross.org/Volunteer to learn how you can help. 

Written by Wendy Starr, Communications Volunteer.