Media Contact: Lily McCormick
Regional Communications Manager
lily.mccormick@redcross.org I 385-584-7610
 
SALT LAKE CITY (August 18, 2025) — Jennifer de Tapia, a dedicated volunteer with the American Red Cross of Utah, is deploying to Wisconsin tomorrow for a two-week mission to assist with disaster relief efforts. This will be her sixth deployment with the Red Cross. She will join nearly 200 other trained Red Cross disaster workers delivering critical aid to communities impacted by ongoing severe storms and flooding across the Midwest.

De Tapia will serve as a Shelter Resident Transition Worker, a role focused on supporting people living in Red Cross shelters as they take the next steps toward stable housing. This includes working directly with residents to understand their needs, helping them create individualized transition plans, and connecting them with community resources.

“Sometimes the work includes making referrals or providing information, other times it’s advocating on behalf of residents or coordinating with other Red Cross staff,” Jeremiah Lafranca, Executive Director of the Greater Salt Lake Chapter of the American Red Cross of Utah explained. “It can even include offering financial assistance when necessary. The ultimate goal is to empower residents as they move from the shelter into a safe, sustainable living arrangement as part of their recovery.”

Severe Storms Impacting the Midwest
On Friday night into early Saturday morning, powerful storms swept across parts of the Upper Midwest, producing wind gusts up to 80 mph and causing widespread damage from downed trees and power lines. The threat isn’t over — a prolonged risk of flash flooding, gusty winds and hail continues this weekend, placing nearly 14 million people across South Dakota, southern Wisconsin, northern Illinois, northwestern Indiana, far eastern Iowa and southeastern Minnesota at risk. These storms are capable of producing damaging winds, large hail and isolated tornadoes.

Red Cross volunteers are already on the ground conducting shelter operations, providing meals and relief supplies, and supporting families forced from their homes. As damage assessments continue, more volunteers are being deployed to meet the growing needs of affected communities.

Responding Amid Frequent Disasters
Last year, the U.S. experienced 27 weather and climate disasters with damages exceeding $1 billion each, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This followed a record-setting 28 billion-dollar disasters in 2023. The increasing frequency and intensity of these events highlight the urgent need for preparation, response, and recovery support.

“Our volunteers step up in times of need and are willing to help using their specific skills,” said Lafranca. “Jennifer’s deployment is another example of the compassion and commitment Utahns bring to communities across the country.”

Join the Red Cross Team
Red Cross disaster volunteers receive training to respond to local emergencies like home fires, providing critical immediate support on-site or remotely. With additional experience and training, volunteers can also deploy to larger emergencies nationwide. Visit redcross.org/DAT to learn more about disaster response opportunities.

Every day, Red Cross volunteers make a difference — from supporting disaster victims to donating blood or teaching lifesaving skills. Explore volunteer opportunities at redcross.org/volunteer.

How You Can Help
Make a gift to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your donation helps the Red Cross prepare for, respond to and assist people recovering from disasters of all sizes. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

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. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.