Red Cross Aids Families Displaced by Gentilly Ridge Fire

Doug Parish sits across from caseworker Elizabeth Dawson as they discuss the recovery resources and immediate financial assistance he will recieve following the loss of his home in the Gentilly Ridge Apartment fire.

August 9, 2025
By: Shelby Wells

Doug Parish was lying in bed when he heard the commotion. He stepped outside to see smoke billowing from his apartment complex a few buildings down. He grabbed his wallet and emergency folder, which included important documents like his birth certificate and passport, and bolted from his home.

The blaze escalated into a five-alarm emergency, damaging many of his neighbors’ homes and forcing all residents to evacuate the fully occupied, 115-unit Gentilly Ridge Apartments in New Orleans. Local volunteers jumped into action as more than 100 residents were shuttled to Joe Brown Recreation Center, a family reception center that was quickly converted into an overnight shelter.

Doug spent four days alongside his neighbors at the Red Cross shelter, where volunteers worked around the clock to provide food, safety and support. He was grateful for the compassion surrounding him as he processed the shock of being suddenly displaced.

“When I finally broke down, y'all were there for me. I’ll never forget the volunteer, Sarah, who was able to comfort me and listen while I vented,” Doug shared. “The whole team has been sweethearts.”

Doug was among the residents who qualified for Red Cross financial assistance to help with urgent recovery needs.

“This money is lifegiving,” he said. To him, immediate financial support means getting back on his feet faster.

Among the everyday items he’ll need to replace: his cherished rice cooker and favorite set of pots and pans. An avid movie-watcher and regular at his local library’s DVD section, Doug said the support he received is helping him take a step toward normalcy.

“I’ll use this to take care of my needs so I can slowly build back up to my wants — like a new DVD player,” he shared. “It’s the little things that make me happy.”

Doug Parish connected with Red Cross volunteers who provided a sense of normalcy and hope while helping him along the path to recovery.

The die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan also lost treasured memorabilia, including his framed collection of Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl tickets. He reflected that it’s these kinds of personal keepsakes, the things that bring joy and pride, that he looks forward to rebuilding around as he recovers.

Thanks to the strong partnership between American Red Cross, New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (NOHSEP), the city’s Office of Homeless Services and Strategies, Second Harvest, Walmart, Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Louisiana and more, residents impacted by the fire received the aid and support they needed to start rebuilding.

Providing critical relief for Gentilly Ridge residents was a coordinated effort between many caring community partners. Organizations like Destined for Options and Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Louisiana offered clothing, supplies and gift cards to help residents meet immediate needs. With his Goodwill gift card, Doug purchased a few items to give him comfort during an uncertain time.

“I bought a pillow, pillowcase and towel of my own,” Doug said. This small but meaningful purchase reflects how financial assistance empowers impacted residents to take recovery into their own hands, choosing the items that matter most to them as they begin to rebuild.

Everything the Red Cross does is rooted in one simple mission: to be there for people in their most difficult moments. That mission is only possible because of generous donors, committed partners and dedicated volunteers who make sure individuals like Doug have meals, shelter and hope when disaster strikes. When people step up to help people, recovery begins.