April 9, 2025. Utica, Indiana. The community in Utica was impacted by flooding in early April and many residents are still waiting for flood waters to recede so they can begin the cleanup process. The shelter being run by the American Red Cross, working alongside the Clark County Health Department, at Utica United has become a hub for the community as they wait to reenter their homes.

Red Cross volunteers Janet Puzey, Brad Johnson and local resident Mike unloaded a delivery of clean up kits. These clean up kits, which contain items like which contain items like brooms, work gloves and bleach, will be used by the residents in Utica to help with their recovery process.

“They’ve all been very supportive,” said Janet. Janet, who came from Illinois to help with the flood response, has been a Red Cross volunteer for three years. She shared that the community in Utica is very close, and they all pitch in to help when Red Cross volunteers deliver supplies to the shelter, like water and clean up kits, which contain items like brooms, work gloves and bleach.

“Since I’ve been here, I’ve gotten to know the volunteers,” said Mike, who has been visiting the shelter after his neighborhood was impacted by flooding. “It’s an experience you’re never gonna forget, but the people too. All the kindness and generosity – you're never gonna forget it.”

With floodwater still up to the stop signs in some parts of Utica, many of the residents have been visiting the shelter to get a warm meal, to find a calm place to relax while they take a break from the clean-up process, and to use as a safe place for the neighborhood children to play.

“The kids all come play in the gym,” said Janet. “It gets really busy here around lunchtime!”

The Red Cross has been working with the Clark County Health Department at the shelter, and Janet complimented the partnership. The health department has been helping residents with immediate medical needs, such as materials to test blood sugar and providing free vaccinations at the shelter.

Red Cross shelters are open to everyone in need and all disaster assistance is free. You do not need to spend the night in a Red Cross shelter to receive disaster assistance. If you need a warm meal or somewhere safe to charge your phone, come see us! You can find updated shelter information on redcross.org/shelter, the free Red Cross Emergency app or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767)

Learn more about how the Red Cross is responding and how you can help by visiting redcross.org.