By Jerrica Williams

As floods and violent storms carved a path of destruction across the Midwest and South in early April, thousands of families found themselves displaced and in need of help. In response, a vast network of support mobilized with urgency and purpose. At the heart of this effort stands the American Red Cross, delivering critical emergency aid as part of a multi-state relief operation.

The Red Cross Community Adaptation Program (CAP) focuses on strengthening local partner networks in targeted areas that face a high risk of extreme weather and existing societal inequities. This hands-on partnership is all about the collaboration between organizations to do what they do best—provide vital support like health care, food and shelter – before and after disaster strikes.

In response to the recent storms impacting multiple counties across the Tennessee region, the CAP team has been on the ground, working side-by-side with local faith-based organizations to support families in need. In Jackson, Gospel Temple Holiness Church served as a donation drop-off site for the community, while CAP partners at Unity Temple Ministries COGIC provided transportation assistance. Using their box truck, the teams came together to load donated supplies and deliver them to First United Methodist Church in Grand Junction—ensuring these donations reached those affected.

Browns Creek District Association and Madison-Chester Baptist Association are also faith-based communities that have been active in disaster support and distribution to those in need from the beginning of the Red Cross operation in West Tennessee. The CAP team recently participated in a dedication ceremony following the donation of disaster relief equipment to Madison-Chester Baptist Association.

Jeff Palmer, Director of Community Outreach at Madison-Chester Baptist Association says, “The tornados that hit McNairy County are tragic in a number of levels. Not only was there terrible destruction and loss of life, but some areas affected are still reeling from a similar event two years ago. However, there is great cooperation and coordination in ground. Local government and groups are working well together. Thanks to the American Red Cross CAP program, we have been able to respond with assessment teams and chainsaw teams complete with heavy machinery (skid steer).  There is still much work to do and thanks to our partnership at the Red Cross, we have the tools we need.”

Glama Carter, a CAP Liaison from Florida, is one of nearly 130 disaster-trained volunteers deployed to West Tennessee to support communities impacted by the devastating storms. It's her first disaster relief operation—and an experience she’s deeply grateful for.

Communities across the country are facing increasing challenges due to more frequent and intense disasters linked to our changing climate. In times of crisis, the American Red Cross is present providing much needed support to families as they work to recover and rebuild but we can’t do it alone. Our ability to respond and care for those in need depends on strong partnerships and the unwavering support of compassionate individuals and organizations. Together, we can ensure that help is always there when it's needed most.

For more information on the mission of the American Red Cross, visit redcross.org.