By Mariwyn Evans

Whether it’s helping during a front-page disaster like Hurricane Helene in 2024 or one of the hundreds of fires that destroy a home and displace a family, Disaster Action Teams (DAT) from the American Red Cross are among the first on the scene. DAT volunteers assist community members impacted by an emergency with shelter, food, essential supplies and emergency funds for necessities.

But addressing physical needs is only part of the job. “You are seeing people at perhaps the worst time of their lives. Often what they need most is compassion,” explains Nancy Hudson, a DAT Service Associate in the Tri-Cities area of Northeast Tennessee.

Nancy’s decision to volunteer for disaster relief three years ago was a natural extension of her career as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in New Jersey.  She used the skills she’d honed as an EMT as a worker at several of the 14 Red Cross shelters set up in the wake of Hurricane Helene. She also helped open the shelters and serve hot meals to community members in need.

But her experience in dealing with emergencies is not the only special skill Nancy brings to her Red Cross activities.

“I studied sign language in college and later helped my uncle by translating sermons and songs at his church,” Nancy shares.  Her ability to communicate with hearing-impaired victims helps ensure that people facing trauma “feel understood and not judged.”

“These people are in shock and may not have anyone else to turn to,” Nancy says. Communicating in a shared language helps lessen the trauma.

Because the Red Cross recognizes the value of communicating in someone’s native language, the organization has initiated a campaign to encourage more bilingual volunteers. The need in Tennessee is clear. According to State of Tennessee statistics, about six percent of Tennesseans speak a language other than English at home.  And more than eight percent of students in Tennessee public schools are English-language learners. Volunteers who can communicate directly and interpret critical needs lessen the difficulties of getting support and services.  

“Volunteering for the Red Cross is very satisfying work, and people really appreciate that you try to speak their language, even if you’re not perfect,” Nancy says.  “I urge anyone with bilingual skills to consider volunteering for their local Red Cross.”

If you are interested in becoming a Disaster Action Team volunteer or learning more about other volunteer positions, visit redcross.org/volunteer.