“I'm glad y’all came.” — Justin St. Mard, St. Tammany Parish

Justin St. Mard was spending a quiet evening watching a movie with his mother and their dog Shiloh when a loud crack outside interrupted them. Moments later, a tree crashed through the roof of their Hammond home, collapsing the ceiling just feet from where his mother had been sitting.

“My mom was about two feet away from where the tree fell,” he recalled, still shaken by how close they came to injury. Outside, he discovered his car crushed beneath the same tree. Their landlord later told them they may need to find a new place to live, adding uncertainty to an already overwhelming moment. But help arrived quickly, reminding him he isn’t alone.

“When I woke up this morning, I didn’t expect to get a call from the Red Cross,” Justin said. “I’m glad y’all came. We definitely need the help.”

Red Cross teams provided immediate financial assistance, supplies, emotional support, and connection to additional mental health resources as they cope with the shock of the disaster. Justin and his mother have been paired with a caseworker who will stay in touch throughout their recovery, helping them navigate next steps and access partner services.

“I really appreciate the help.” — Ellis Neal, St. Tammany Parish

Just a few miles away, longtime Hammond resident Ellis Neal faced his own unexpected devastation. Proud of his more‑than‑100‑year‑old home and the vibrant flower and herb gardens he carefully tends, Ellis was stunned when a massive oak tree came crashing down across the back half of his house.

“I was inside when it happened. There was a loud boom,” he recalled.

The fallen tree crushed multiple rooms and likely damaged the backyard garden he has nurtured for years. It also brought down the power line feeding his home, leaving him without electricity as he begins to navigate the long process of cleanup.

“There’s no telling how long my power will be off,” Ellis said. “It could be a week.”

Red Cross volunteers arrived with immediate support, providing financial assistance that can lessen the strain of the immediate impacts.

“I lost all the food in my fridge and freezer,” he explained. “I’ll probably use this to replace the spoiled food. It’s a huge help. I really appreciate it.”

Like every impacted household, Ellis has been connected with a dedicated Red Cross caseworker who will help guide him through the recovery process.

“You have helped me so much.” — Cynthia Boykins, Tangipahoa Parish

“Thank you all. You have helped me so much,” Cynthia Boykins said as Red Cross volunteers loaded water, snacks, hygiene items, and emergency supplies into her car.

Just hours earlier, Cynthia had been at home in Fulker with her son and grandchild when a tornado warning alert sounded on her phone. “I thought it was just like all the other times,” she said. “I didn’t think much of it.”

But Wednesday night’s string of storms proved different. The tornado tore through her neighborhood, leaving her home uninhabitable, her driveway blocked by fallen trees, and power lines scattered across her property.

“I just can’t believe this,” she said as local volunteers walked beside her, helping assess the damage.

Despite the shock and destruction, Cynthia expressed deep gratitude that her family is safe — and relief that she doesn’t have to face the aftermath alone. Red Cross teams provided immediate financial assistance, emergency clean‑up supplies, and comfort to help her family through the first difficult days. She has also been connected with a dedicated Red Cross caseworker who will support her in the weeks ahead, ensuring her family’s specific needs are met as recovery begins.