“Everyone is welcome” is a foundational belief at the American Red Cross.  Regardless of your circumstances, the Red Cross is here for you, and it takes a whole team of disaster responders to make that happen. This dedicated team of first responders includes the Latino Engagement Team (LET).

The American Red Cross LET is a relatively new team made up of volunteers and staff, dedicated to making sure everyone can get help from the organization when it is needed. LET members responded to Tennessee as a result of Hurricane Helene, which struck Latino communities in several counties.

Kathy Markgraf, a 16-year veteran of the American Red Cross, has been on the team since it started five years ago.

“Our job is to reach out to clients who don’t speak English, and ensure they have access to the services that the Red Cross provides,” said Kathy.  

The team has been tasked with working alongside partners to ensure that all communities in East Tennessee are recognized and supported. Due to the large number of clients affected by this disaster, the Mexican Consulate in Atlanta also sent representatives to Erwin, TN to help.  The Red Cross partnered with local organizations like HOLA, to ensure clients from the Mountain City community could have a ride to the consulate event.

“We found out that there were families who needed help but did not have transportation,” said Diana Altamar.

In addition, the LET found that some rural farming communities near Newport were missing out on larger resource events. This community was taken comfort kits that were handed out at their distribution center.

 “It’s about meeting communities where they are,” said Diana Manzo-Prado, Community Engagement and Partnerships Manager for this response.

The Team’s mission is to work with communities finding out what their needs are, not just showing up and assuming what they need.

“[LET] needs to be part of the mission,” said Diana Altamar.  Kathy added, “It needs to be in the shelter, feeding, DES, all those things.”  Working with community partners is the only way that the American Red Cross can continue bringing these underserved communities into the fold of Red Cross services.

The final piece of assistance is the casework process after the damage assessment is completed. A system called RC Care, used by Red Cross responders, is now accessible in Spanish, making it easier for Spanish speakers to connect and help more communities. Volunteer Connection is also now accessible as well, making it easier for Spanish-speaking volunteers to join the American Red Cross.

If you are interested in volunteering with the Latino Engagement Team (LET) or to find another volunteer opportunity, visit www.redcross.org/volunteer.