By: Darrell Fuller, Red Cross Board Member and Volunteer

Brian Nolte and his girlfriend of 10 years really like cats. They REALLY like cats. They have nine.

Even before their home was subject to a level three evacuation, he started to prepare. He volunteers at the local Humane Society. So, he made a deal to board his pets there in exchange for a few more hours each week.

He’s accustomed to helping others. He wasn’t sure what to expect when the tables turned and he found himself walking into a Red Cross Shelter at the Eastside Church in Prineville, Oregon. “I literally didn’t have any place to go,” Nolte said. “All the hotels were full. I needed a place to stay.”

They are on day six.

“I’ll admit I was a little nervous walking in. I didn’t know what to expect,” Brian admitted. “I don’t like to take from others. George the supervisor is amazing. Everyone learns your name. I call it the ‘Hilton’ of shelters,” he exclaimed.

“The food is great. They take care of us,” he explained. “It’s not just the food and a place to stay. They really care about us as people. They want to help,” he said.

Brian recently retired. He worked in demolitions and environmental remediation on large projects around the county. He was even an MMA fighter in his younger days. “I’m 62 years old and recently retired,” he admitted. “I’ve been wondering what I will do. Now I know I will volunteer with the Red Cross. What a great way to help other people. This is just amazing.”

Brian is one of dozens of people who have come to a Red Cross shelter in Oregon during the 2026 wildfire season. As of August 8, approximately 20 shelters have been opened as the region continues to battle wildfires and drought.  You can find a shelter near you by downloading the free Red Cross Emergency App or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.