PORTLAND, Ore., October 10, 2024 – Hundreds of American Red Cross disaster responders are working around the clock to provide safe refuge, comfort and support to Floridians in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. The Red Cross also continues to support people across several other states impacted by Helene.

Over 60 Red Cross disaster responders from the Cascades Region, which spans Southwest Washington and Oregon, are already on the ground in the five states impacted by Hurricane Helene to assist with hurricane relief. In coordination with government and community partners, Red Crossers are supporting shelters and providing food, cots, blankets and other relief supplies to help people in harm's way.

The need is great, and the Red Cross is seeking volunteers to help with relief efforts Hurricanes Helene and Milton, as well as other disasters. At a volunteer training session this Friday, Red Cross staff will present an overview of fundamentals of sheltering and new volunteers will have the opportunity to speak with Red Cross workers, learn about volunteer opportunities and sign up to volunteer on site. Interested individuals can register at http://tiny.cc/vcmpzz.

Friday, October 11th – PORTLAND
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Red Cross Portland Office
3131 N Vancouver
Portland, OR 97227

MAKE A FINANCIAL DONATION People need urgent support now, and we can’t do this alone. Please help by making a financial donation, an appointment to give blood or platelets, or signing up to become a volunteer by visiting redcross.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767). Financial donations to help people affected by Hurricanes Milton and Helene enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from these disasters. You can also text the word HURRICANES to 90999 to make a donation.

MAKE A BLOOD DONATION The cancellation of blood drives across the Southeast caused thousands of blood donations to go uncollected. Hurricane Milton has the potential to further deplete the blood supply. Those outside the affected areas are encouraged to schedule a blood donation appointment here.

DOWNLOAD EMERGENCY APP Everyone should download the Red Cross Emergency App to have safety information available on their mobile device, including emergency weather alerts, preparedness information and shelter locations. Red Cross apps are available in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

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.