DETROIT (Oct. 8, 2024) – The American Red Cross Michigan Region on Tuesday provided an update about disaster response operations across multiple states in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and three volunteers shared stories of heartbreak and gratitude from people impacted by the storm they have helped.
During a virtual news briefing with reporters, regional disaster officer Latoysa “Toy” Rooks said 66 volunteers from Michigan are supporting disaster operations in the Southeast, a number that has increased four-fold since the first team of volunteers were deployed the week of Sept. 23. Five disaster response vehicles from Michigan are serving impacted communities in Florida, Tennessee and North Carolina.
The contingent of Michigan volunteers is one of the largest deployed across all Red Cross regions.
“We are doing all we can to help, which does require a huge lift from the American Red Cross,” Rooks said.
This comes as Hurricane Milton, a Category 4 storm as of Tuesday morning, was bearing down on Florida’s west coast. Landfall was expected on Wednesday. More than a foot of rain and a 15-foot storm surge is predicted for the region. Some of the same communities ravaged by Helene are facing this new threat.
“We are racing against the clock to ensure we have our volunteers ready, that we have shelters staffed and relief supplies ready to go,” Rooks said. “We also have a fleet of vehicles and warehouses full of supplies across the country that are ready to support after impact.”
Michigan volunteer Harold West was overseeing a team of volunteers who were loading up food supplies and pre-positioning disaster response vehicles in Tampa ahead of Milton. Once the all-clear is given, the vehicles “will be right out in the community, ready to go,” he said.
“This type of tragedy can affect anywhere in the country. We are all here together, doing it together, working as one,” West said.
West was among the first team of volunteers deployed to Florida after Helene. He delivered meals in areas impacted by the storm from a disaster response vehicle. He spoke of being in a supermarket recently where customers were openly appreciative of the Red Cross.
“You can’t walk down an aisle without somebody thanking you and thanking us for being here,” he said. “It is not uncommon to get a hug or a handshake.”
Collectively, about 2,000 Red Crossers from across the U.S. are working to provide shelter, food, water and support to families who were impacted, Rooks said. The Red Cross has provided more than 32,000 overnight shelter stays and early 400,000 meals and snacks across the impacted areas.
“Unfortunately, hundreds of people are still missing, and damaged infrastructure is making it difficult for folks to communicate with loved ones,” Rooks said. People who are searching for a loved one affected by the storm are asked to complete a form at www.redcross.org/helene for the state where they live.
Stacey Ripley, an eight-year Red Cross volunteer, is working to reunite family members who were separated by Helene and recounted two families, including one from Michigan, who she helped.
“It feeds my soul to be able to help families,” she said.
Ripley has deployed to more than 30 Red Cross disaster operations and said each one has its own complexity and environment challenges. The trauma experienced by those who are impacted is very real, she said.
“Everyone’s story is important, and everyone’s story deserves to be heard, no matter their situation,” she said. “It’s a traumatic, traumatic event to go through. Just to have someone to be able to talk to about that gives them a sense of having someone there or someone to lean on when maybe they are having trouble getting through it.”
Becky Gaskin, executive director of the East Central Bay Chapter of the Red Cross in Flint, described her first deployment experience as an “incredible learning experience” and “one that literally changes the heart and soul of a Red Crosser whether you are volunteer or staff.”
In her role as a government liaison officer in Greenville, South Carolina, Gaskin keeps local elected officials and community partners up to date about the Red Cross response and elevates requests for assistance. She recalled one call from a local city official who asked for help to provide food at a local school for neighborhood children. A short time later, a Red Cross disaster vehicle pulled up with 200 meals, the first of daily delivers to come.
As she recounted the story, Gaskin’s eyes welled up. “He goes, be prepared, because the kids are so hungry that they are swarming the van and couldn’t wait to get the food,” she said. “He said, you helped feed my kids and my neighborhood.”
Gaskin described the situation in South Carolina as “all hands on deck.”
“Every day, you’re asking how can I help, where’s the need, where do you need me,” she said. “And every day has been a little different. I’ve driven to so many counties and met so many amazing people who are consistent showing kindness.”
The Red Cross plays a critical role in helping families and communities recover in the weeks and months after a disaster. Before Helene, nearly 190 Michigan Red Cross volunteers have deployed to disaster relief operations across the country and locally, including the tornadoes that struck Southwest Michigan in May and several multi-family fires.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
MAKE A DONATION: Financial donations for Hurricane Helene enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from this disaster.
GIVE BLOOD: The Red Cross is working to restock critically needed blood products after the cancellation of blood drives across the Southeast, causing more than 2,500 blood donations to go uncollected. Those outside the affected areas are encouraged to schedule a blood donation appointment now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or using the Blood Donor App to help restock the shelves.
VOLUNTEER:
If you want to make a difference in the lives of others, consider putting on a red vest and joining us. Visit redcross.org/volunteer to find out how you can support your community.
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MEDIA CONTACT: David Olejarz / david.olejarz@redcross.org / 313-303-0606
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 savelives; 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.