In 2021, people in Southeastern Pennsylvania and across the country faced great emergency needs as the ongoing pandemic exacerbated the challenges related to severe disasters and blood shortages.
“Our most vulnerable neighbors are facing unique and pressing struggles when disaster strikes on top of COVID-19,” Guy Triano, Regional CEO for the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania said. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Region covers Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties. “This holiday season join us to provide help and hope in these difficult moments by making a financial donation at redcross.org or by giving blood or platelets,” Triano added.
RELENTLESS DISASTERS COMPOUND COVID-19 STRUGGLES
2021 marked one of the country’s most active years for severe weather — which battered many communities still reeling from last year’s disasters. For thousands of people in need, the Red Cross launched a new major relief effort every 11 days to provide refuge, food and care.
This year, a family displaced by a disaster in the U.S. spent an average of nearly 30 days in a Red Cross-supported emergency shelter. These extended stays were largely due to a lack of savings and community housing shortages — signs that climate-driven disasters are compounding the financial hardships of the pandemic.
Storms like Hurricane Ida in September and the 100-year flood and multiple tornadoes that affected Bucks County in July are just the latest examples of the changing climate in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Over the summer, the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region opened shelters, served meals and handed out relief supplies to people whose homes were damaged. And the local Red Cross provided emergency financial assistance for nearly 2,000 people.
Each year, the Red Cross responds to more than 60,000 disasters nationwide. The majority of those are home fires. During 2021, the Red Cross responded to more than 635 home fires in Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties, providing emergency assistance for more than 2,600 people.
And in a continuing effort to keep families safe from fire, the Red Cross installed more than 2,000 free smoke alarms in homes across the 5-county region. Red Cross volunteers also taught home fire safety to more than 1,000 elementary school students in the region.
In addition, the Red Cross continued to care for our active-duty military members, veterans and their families, providing more than 2,600 case services under the Red Cross Service to Armed Forces program.
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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.