When disasters force families and individuals from their homes, the journey doesn’t end when the shelter doors close. For American Red Cross Shelter Resident Transition (SRT) volunteers, the most important work often happens at that very moment—helping residents move forward with dignity, compassion and hope.

Theresa Nelson, a dedicated American Red Cross volunteer from the Northeast Tennessee chapter, knows this work well. Theresa traveled to Middle Tennessee to support residents affected by the winter storm that impacted several parts of the state, bringing with her years of sheltering experience and a deep commitment to service.

“I’m really good with connecting with clients and helping them move to the next level,” Theresa said.

Theresa’s first official deployment was in response to Hurricane Ian in 2022. She has spent the last four years supporting sheltering operations across the country. In that time, she has completed 15 disaster deployments, answering the call whenever and wherever help was needed.

Her first opportunity to serve specifically in shelter resident transition came during the Kentucky floods in April 2025—before SRT was even an official volunteer role. For Theresa, the work felt like a natural extension of what had always motivated her.

“Helping the clients. Making them feel comfortable. Even the unhoused. Even when they have to leave, we still care for them and we still love them,” she said.

Shelter resident transition volunteers help residents identify next steps whether that means returning home, reunifying with family, moving to longer-term housing options or connecting with community resources. But for Theresa, it’s about more than logistics. It’s about people feeling seen, valued and supported during an incredibly vulnerable moment.

“I always tell the clients, ‘Wherever you’re going, my heart is with you,’” she shared.

That connection, she says, is what makes the role so rewarding.

“What’s really rewarding is knowing that when people leave the shelters, they carry the Red Cross with them because we’ve treated them with dignity and respect.”

SRT volunteers play a critical role in ensuring that care continues beyond shelters. Through compassion, listening and reassurance, volunteers like Theresa help residents move into their next phase with confidence and support, often leaving a lasting impression long after the disaster response has ended.

If you are interested in volunteering to help shelter residents transition to their next phase following a disaster, please visit redcross.org/volunteer.