Airik Myers/American Red Cross

The flooding that swept through South Puget Sound left families with little more than the clothes they were wearing—but inside an American Red Cross shelter, Shannon Glenn has become a steady source of comfort in the middle of the chaos. Just three months into her new role as executive director for the Red Cross Northwest Region South Puget and Olympics Chapter, she has already found herself helping neighbors through one of the most devastating moments of their lives.

A lifelong resident of the region, Shannon brings a deep understanding of the community to her work. That familiarity has shaped how she supports evacuees, many who lived in the same apartment complex, now destroyed, left to cope with the layered challenges that follow sudden displacement, finding safe places for pets, managing health and dietary needs, and caring for loved ones with disabilities.

For Shannon, the most striking moments have been defined by human connection. She tells of a mother juggle the needs of her special needs child, while also supporting her own mother, who has physical limitations. 

“She was exhausted,” Shannon said. “She wasn’t just managing her own emotions but also trying to explain everything to a five‑year‑old who just kept saying he wanted to go home.” 

In those moments, offering a sense of safety and someone to listen became as important as providing a place to sleep and daily meals.

What has moved Shannon most is what residents have shared about their experience with the Red Cross. Their gratitude hasn’t been only for the services, but for the way they’ve been treated—with dignity and genuine care. 

Hearing evacuees say they felt understood and supported by people who know their community has been especially meaningful.

The response has also deepened Shannon’s pride in her hometown. Throughout the flooding, she has watched neighbors, local organizations and volunteers step forward repeatedly to support one another, often without being asked. 

“The community showed up for the community,” she said, reflecting on the collective effort that has defined the response across South Puget Sound.

Even in a season marked by loss, Shannon’s commitment to her community is helping ensure that people are not facing their recovery alone — and that hope remains present, even in the hardest moments.

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.