By Trista Lay

Longtime American Red Cross disaster volunteers from the East Tennessee chapter, Jan Pratka and Lloyd Pitney, have both observed that in many disasters, the hardest part for survivors is not always the disaster itself, but rather the path forward afterward.

“I’ve been in these disasters many times, and I see what happens to people and to their lives,” Jan shares. “The Shelter Resident Transition [team] really provides hope in a way we’ve never been able to offer before.”

Over the past five years, Jan has witnessed firsthand the critical need for volunteers who support clients through every stage of their recovery. Her work in disaster response, sheltering and spiritual care has deepened her commitment to this cause. Motivated by these experiences, Jan recently completed specialized training to serve as a Shelter Resident Transition Service Associate, a role that allows her to guide clients as they take the next steps toward rebuilding their lives.

Shelter Resident Transition Service Associates help residents navigate their next steps after leaving a Red Cross shelter. For many, the journey forward is complicated by housing instability, making this support essential to their recovery.

“People don’t just lose their homes—they lose their sense of balance,” Jan says. “These volunteers give them hope and helps them plan their own recovery.”

A volunteer of eight years, Lloyd shares that he often wonders what happens to residents once they leave the shelter. Likewise, he states he was interested immediately when he first learned about the role earlier this year.

“They're just kind of existing in the shelter and staying there,” Lloyd states. “With the SRT team, you're in communication with them [clients] on a regular basis, and you're helping them find maybe a new rental property or a new house.”

Jan and Lloyd each shared what they find most rewarding about the SRT role. For Jan, it’s seeing residents regain their confidence and take an active role in shaping their path forward.

“They [clients] feel hopeful and confident about it, and they take part in the planning,” Jan shares. “That’s what makes this role so special.”

Lloyd says that, for him, the reward comes when residents regain independence. “Seeing someone move out of the shelter and take that next step—it’s very rewarding.”

Jan and Lloyd enthusiastically encourage both current and future volunteers to step into the role of Shelter Resident Transition Associate. They describe it as a uniquely fulfilling opportunity to make a lasting impact by helping individuals regain stability, confidence and hope during one of the most vulnerable times in their lives.

“If someone is interested in really helping people plan their own recovery – not just giving them a meal and place to stay – they should look into it,” Jan states. “You’ll have support every step of the way. You’re not in it alone.”

Through the dedication of experienced volunteers like Jan and Lloyd, the American Red Cross Shelter Resident Transition role offers disaster survivors something priceless: a path back to hope and normalcy.

Visit redcross.org/shelterheroes or contact ShelterHeroes@redcross.org to learn more about volunteering as a Shelter Resident Transition Service Associate.

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. The American Red Cross Tennessee Region serves all 95 counties in Tennessee, Crittenden County in Arkansas and Desoto and Tunica counties in Mississippi. The Tennessee Region – part of a nationwide network of locally supported chapters - is comprised of the following eight Red Cross chapters: East Tennessee, Heart of Tennessee, Mid-South, Mid-West Tennessee, Nashville Area, Southeast Tennessee, Northeast Tennessee and Tennessee River. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.