During the recent devastating winter storm, dozens of Red Cross Community Adaptation (CAP) partners mobilized quickly to provide critical support to their communities impacted by the snow and extreme cold.

Under the CAP program, we are partnering with local nonprofits that specialize in health, hunger, and housing to build more resilient communities in disaster-prone areas where families already struggle with existing societal inequities. In turn, our partners commit to working with the Red Cross during disasters to help mitigate disaster-caused displacement and ultimately reduce the need for Red Cross resources.

As the storm moved across the country, CAP partners sprang into action. In Madison County, Tennessee, the Hope Center of Jackson donated blankets and meals. Community Café supported feeding in city shelters. Browns Creek District Association distributed blankets and toiletry kits, transported residents to dialysis, and prepared debris removal teams. Madison Chester and Crockett Baptist Associations donated additional blankets and heavy equipment. Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church opened a warming center and coordinated transportation with EMS and law enforcement.

In Yazoo County, Mississippi, the Tulane Missionary Baptist Church assisted with tree and debris removal, stabilized damaged roofs and doors, and distributed generators. G.A. Carmichael supplied community members with generators and helped the Red Cross transport cots, blankets and other supplies to the warming center.

CAP partners in New Hanover County, North Carolina, responded in a region unfamiliar with the extreme cold. Rise Up Community Farm protected crops and distributed food. Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard provided shelf-stable meals and snack packs for shelters as needed.

Moving to Cameron County, Texas, in Harlingen, Loaves & Fishes operated a 24-hour warming center and coordinated emergency transportation through a 24-hour contact line. In Brownsville, Ozanam operated a 24-hour warming center, with Good Neighbor Settlement House providing daytime warming services and coordinating transportation to Ozanam for overnight sheltering. All thirteen CAP food pantry partners across Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy counties operated community-based soup kitchens serving hot meals, and H.E.L.P. RGV offered its warehouse facility as an emergency pet shelter.

In Hays County, Texas, nearly every element of the county’s nonprofit response was led by CAP partners. Several operated or supported warming centers, including the Southside Community Center, VFW Post 3413, and the Kyle VFW. The Barnabas Connection supported the community help line, ensuring residents had access to timely information and assistance. The HOME Center provided transportation throughout Hays County to help people reach warming centers safely. Central Texas Food Bank & Hays County Food Bank supplied warming centers with snacks & water. First Baptist provided meals at Southside Community Center.

In Mississippi County, Arkansas, CAP partners Blytheville Community Samaritans and Mississippi County Union Mission operated warming centers. The Osceola Community Center, supported by Main Street Osceola, opened as an overnight shelter. When severe road conditions halted Red Cross field operations, CAP teams coordinated with local partners to deliver food and essential supplies to a Joiner shelter that was assisting stranded motorists along Interstate 55.

In Lake County, Indiana, Faith Community Center North and Faith CDC prepared warming centers and stocked their community refrigerator with food. In Hammond, Health Visions Midwest offered transportation for clients with essential medical appointments. The Ophelia Steen Center opened its generator powered community space for daytime warming.

In Atlantic County, New Jersey, CAP partners provided outreach and shelter support throughout the storm. Angels In Motion distributed food bags, operated warming hours and helped connect people experiencing homelessness to shelters. Beacon of Hope opened additional shelter beds. Friends of Jean Webster provided warming space during daytime hours. Jewish Family Services and AtlantiCare conducted outreach, shelter navigation and medical assistance. Hope Exists maintained regular street outreach.

Partners also responded in Warren County, Kentucky. HOTEL INC helped organize countywide warming centers. The Warren County Public Library provided free shuttle transportation to help residents reach shelters safely.

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.