In February 2024, the Red Cross staffed an emergency shelter after a fire at the Beasley Mills Apartments in Athens, Ohio forced the evacuation of 30 residents.
Athens city staff responded quickly busing the residents of the low-income apartments to the Athens Community Center. Red Cross Disaster Program Manager David Bradley, along with trained Red Cross volunteers from Athens and surrounding counties, staffed the shelter.
Cots and blankets were set up and each person quickly had a personal area to await return to their homes. The local humane society responded with crates for the animals that were brought in, offering comfort to their owners and safety for all.
Bradley spent his days working at the shelter and talking with the residents. “We chatted, shared stories about our lives in the Athens area, hugged the dog and played a few board games. The conversation was light. I believe people felt they were cared for and were not upset,” Bradley said.
“When a gentleman needed milk to take with his meds, someone got it for him and brought it to the table. I saw so many simple courtesies and acts of caring for others-- it made such a difference. Petting the dog was a morale booster,” Bradley remembered being impressed by how the residents cared so much for each other.
An important aspect of working a shelter is being aware of critical needs. Working with the city and partner agencies the shower facilities were made available; hot meals were provided; and a Red Cross Disaster Health Services volunteer worked closely with each of the residents with medical needs.
Bradley marveled at the nature of this true community response. “People who came in to work out, and others who visited the community center, were aware of the shelter and responded when a shelter resident was in need. It was so heartwarming! One resident had a mobility problem and had to walk very, very slowly to and from the shower area. I smiled as I saw a young woman, probably a student at Oho University, stop and help the resident, walking with her slowly and chatting,” Bradley said.
After three days, the apartment building owners offered the shelter residents rooms in a local hotel. Red Cross caseworkers followed up with each person, working with management and helping agencies to make sure critical needs were met.
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