By Airik Myers, Northwest Region Volunteer

When disaster strikes, communities depend on fast, compassionate, and coordinated responses. In Snohomish County, that response has been strengthened through a growing partnership between the American Red Cross and Support 7—a local nonprofit dedicated to walking alongside people in crisis.

A Partnership Built on Compassion

Though their official collaboration only began earlier this year, the Red Cross and Support 7 have been crossing paths on the ground for years. Support 7, founded in 1981, provides care and comfort to victims of trauma, disaster, and crisis. Their volunteers—many of whom serve as chaplains—arrive on-scene to help families process the immediate aftermath of tragedy.

“Whenever I get a phone call that says Support 7 is involved, it’s an easy yes, regardless of the time of day or night,” said Vonita Francisco, a Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteer with the Red Cross. “When I respond, I know they’re going to be there keeping the family safe, warm, and supported—pets and kids included.”

Snohomish County is one of the largest counties in Washington, stretching from urban centers like Lynnwood and Everett to rural towns such as Sultan and Stanwood. That wide geography makes fast disaster response a challenge, but with Support 7’s local presence in South Snohomish County, families receive care even more quickly.

“We were able to begin recovery services practically by the time the fire trucks were leaving the scene,” Francisco recalled of one co-response in her own neighborhood. “That’s exactly what we want—to help families start the recovery process right away, before they’re left wondering what comes next.”

Emotional and Spiritual Care

Beyond logistics, the partnership provides something less tangible but just as critical—emotional and spiritual support. Support 7’s chaplains often stay connected with families long after the fire trucks and response teams have left. They accompany grieving relatives to medical examiner’s offices, help them process difficult realities, and simply remain a presence of care.“Support 7 chaplains are continuing to check in with families,” Francisco explained. “They’re there in those moments where words fall short—making sure no one feels alone in their grief.”

Building a Model for the Future

This collaboration is more than a one-county effort. Red Cross leaders are exploring how similar partnerships could be expanded across Northwest Washington. Communities in Anacortes and Bellingham already have organizations like Support 7, and the Snohomish County model could serve as a blueprint for how local nonprofits and national organizations can strengthen disaster response together.

For families who lose everything in a fire or disaster, the first hours are overwhelming. Having both Red Cross responders and Support 7 chaplains side by side means those families are not only given material assistance—like shelter, food, and clothing—but also the human compassion they need most in that moment.

“Partnering with collaborative organizations like Support 7 really helps utilize donor dollars effectively,” Francisco emphasized. “Together, we’re able to deliver the Red Cross mission—alleviating suffering and providing comfort—more fully than we ever could alone.”