[BATON ROUGE, LA] June 18, 2026 — As effects of Post-tropical Storm Arthur continue to batter Louisiana with flash flooding, destructive winds and tornado activity, the American Red Cross has opened an emergency shelter to provide safe refuge, hot meals and compassionate support to residents forced from their homes. Residents impacted by the storm can call 1-800-RED CROSS (733-2767) for assistance.

Red Cross shelters are a safe place for everyone in need, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability or citizenship status. The Red Cross does not require people to show any kind of identification to enter a shelter – just their name and where they were living before the flooding.

As of June 18, 2026, the Red Cross shelter below is open:
 

• Avoyelles Parish
  • Cochon de Lait Center
  • 1822 L'Eglise St, Mansura, LA 71350

Arthur, the first named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, has left a trail of property damage and widespread power outages in its wake. For families with nowhere to turn, Red Cross shelters are open now, and free to anyone who needs them.

Trained Red Cross disaster volunteers from communities across the state have been mobilized to staff shelters and assist neighbors in need. Emergency response vehicles and disaster relief supplies have been strategically deployed to key locations to support sheltering operations as they expand.

The Red Cross is working in close coordination with parish emergency management agencies and state officials to assess damage, identify the hard-hit areas and ensure shelter capacity keeps pace with demand. With dangerous weather forecasts through the end of the week, the organization is prepared to open additional locations as the situation develops.

Residents should not wait to seek help. Shelters are safe, welcoming, and available at no cost.
 

WHAT TO BRING TO A RED CROSS SHELTER
When you come to a Red Cross shelter, you are welcome to bring:
 

• Special items for children, like food/formula, diapers, extra clothing, toys, etc.
• Items for pets, including a leash, pet medications, pet food and a pet carrier or crate.
• Prescription medications and medical devices you may need.
• Comfort items like pillows, blankets, towels, change of clothing, charging devices or other items you may want to have with you at the shelter.

HOW TO GET HELP

Anyone affected by the storms can call the Red Cross Disaster Assistance hotline at 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) for support, including help locating emergency shelter, food and other assistance.
 

HOW TO HELP
Financial donations allow the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters like this one. To donate, visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.