With shelter workers needed now for Hurricane Helene and more needed for future disasters, the American Red Cross of Oklahoma is holding shelter academies this week to train additional volunteers for hurricane relief efforts and other disasters.

The shelter academies cover different roles and responsibilities within Red Cross shelters; setting up, opening, operating and closing a shelter; and working with shelter clients who have access or functional needs. Current Red Cross volunteers who have not been trained in sheltering are encouraged to attend. People who are not current Red Cross volunteers are welcome. Staff will help them complete the process to become a volunteer, which includes a background check.

Volunteers who complete the training will be able to respond to local and national relief operations. Current Red Cross volunteers who are not disaster workers and new volunteers are both encouraged to attend.

“People always ask how they can help during disasters," said Michael Chancia, Red Cross Regional Disaster Workforce Engagement Manager. "We understand it can be frustrating to hear about the requirements needed to become a volunteer. We created the shelter academies so people can quickly receive the training to become disaster workers. This lets them actively participate in the Red Cross mission and make an immediate impact.”

Thousands of people displaced by Hurricane Helene are currently taking refuge in shelters. The Red Cross is seeking shelter workers who can deploy to help with the response to Helene, for any additional hurricanes this season, and during local climate disasters like tornadoes and wildfires.

Shelter academy schedule:

Oct. 3, 12-3 p.m.

American Red Cross
10151 E 11th St.
Tulsa, OK 74114

American Red Cross at Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits
701 N Lindsay Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK 73104

MLK Community Center
207 N 2nd St.
Muskogee, OK 74401

Christian Church of the Covenant
1205 S Cleveland St.
Enid, OK 73703

Oct. 5, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

American Red Cross
10151 E 11th St.
Tulsa, OK 74114

American Red Cross at Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits
701 N Lindsay Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK 73104

American Red Cross
118 W. 7th Ave.
Stillwater, OK 74074

American Red Cross
1006 Northwest Blvd.
Ardmore, OK 73401

New volunteers can sign up online for Tulsa and Oklahoma City shelter academies. Walk-in participants are welcome at any session.

The first academies took place Monday evening in Guthrie, Oklahoma City, Shawnee and Tulsa. About 20 volunteers participated. Several of them are brand-new to the Red Cross.

VOLUNTEERS URGENTLY NEEDED As climate disasters become more frequent and intense, it’s become increasingly common for the Red Cross to respond to multiple large disasters simultaneously. Year-round, the Red Cross is ready to respond effectively to disasters of any size. That’s why it’s so critical for us to have the resources and support to maintain a network of more than 21,000 trained disaster workers — more than 90% of whom are volunteers — and warehouses nationwide stocked with relief supplies.

If you have the time, you can make a significant impact as a Red Cross volunteer. See all the ways you can help. Review our most urgently needed volunteer positions at redcross.org/volunteer.

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.