By: Nadia Brown

It was a call to action unlike any other. Hurricane Milton had made landfall in Tampa, Florida, less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene swept across the Florida region, leaving widespread devastation. As a Red Cross volunteer and writer from North Texas, I embarked on my first deployment with equal parts apprehension and determination.

October 24:

I arrived in Tampa, Florida, on October 24, ready to serve wherever help was needed. The first few days of my deployment were spent at Red Cross headquarters, where I assisted with sheltering intake and administrative duties. It was a whirlwind of activity—phones ringing, papers shuffling, and the palpable urgency of disaster response. My tasks included processing client information and managing transportation logistics, all while absorbing the gravity of the situation.

October 27:

After a few days at headquarters, I transitioned to working at a shelter that housed over 300 shelter clients at its peak. The shelter was a scene of organized chaos. Rows of cots filled the gymnasium, and the air buzzed with the hum of voices, the cries of children, and the clatter of volunteers hard at work.

At the registration desk, I greeted families and guided them through an intake process that often came with stories of heartbreak and resilience. As I listened to each individual's story and greeted survivors, my heart grew fonder every day as I heard about each devastating yet unique situation.

I coordinated transportation for residents and provided directions for accessing resources. It wasn’t just about logistics—it was about listening, empathizing and offering hope to people who had lost so much.

November 1:

By now, the shelter had become a second home. My role extended to monitoring reports for the Red Cross Shelter Response Team, ensuring we met residents’ evolving needs.

Every interaction reminded me of why I was there—to make a difference, no matter how small. I created everlasting relationships with the Red Cross community and the residents of Tampa, Florida.

Amid the chaos, there was a remarkable sense of community. Volunteers and residents alike found ways to uplift one another, creating an atmosphere of shared resilience.
 

November 7:

When I returned home on November 7, I carried with me not just memories of the devastation but also the profound lessons I learned in those two weeks. Disaster changes everything, but it also reveals the strength of human compassion—a force as powerful as any storm.

Reflection:

Looking back on my deployment, it’s impossible to overstate the emotional impact of the experience. Walking into a shelter packed with people who felt helpless was heartbreaking, but it also ignited a fierce determination in me to help. The work was chaotic, exhausting and deeply fulfilling.

As a North Texan, I’ve always admired the Red Cross from afar, but this firsthand experience gave me a new perspective. I learned how The Red Cross thrives in the midst of disaster, using the chaos as fuel to support those in need.

No matter where disaster strikes, there’s a certainty: a Red Cross volunteer will be there, ready to serve.

PS: Just before this deployment, I had the opportunity to complete the Red Cross’s new Mass Shelter Training alongside 20+ dedicated volunteers. This training was essential in preparing us to provide critical support for disasters like Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene across Florida and North Carolina. The Red Cross is always looking for more dedicated people who want to train and deploy when disasters occur.

These in-person trainings are a great way to provide quick and efficient preparation for Red Crossers across the North Texas region.