24/7 Emergency ServiceRed Cross Helps
9/6/2017 (Permalink)
In the wake of this historic catastrophe, it is inspiring to see so many in the community come together to help Red Cross make a difference for the people whose lives have been devastated by Hurricane Harvey.
I want to share some stories of the people who braved life-threatening conditions to find shelter from the storm. Thanks to your generosity, those fleeing their homes found a safe, dry place to stay, nourishment and warmth, and emotional support during this traumatic time.
Please take a moment to learn more about some of the families you are helping:
Jennifer and her 10-year-old son Kortney were evacuated by helicopter from their home in Houston.
“I haven’t cried at all, because I’m looking at the news and seeing all the people who have lost everything… so I’m not going to complain,” she recounts her experience to a Red Cross volunteer. Asked to describe what it meant to have a safe place to be, she shared, “[I’m] very appreciative because some people are still waiting. And yesterday, we were eating, we were safe, we were warm, we had three hot meals.”
Noticing tears forming in his mother’s eyes, Kortney gave her a warm hug.
By late Monday night, the shelter population at the George R. Brown Convention Center had nearly 9,000 residents. “No one will be turned away” was the mantra of service at the Houston mega shelter:
Massive disasters like Hurricane Harvey create more needs than any one organization can meet on its own. We are working very closely with the entire response community – government agencies, other non-profit groups, faith-based organizations, area businesses and others – to coordinate emergency relief efforts and to help people as quickly as possible. Along with our partners, the Red Cross has served more than 807,000 meals and snacks since the storm began. Thousands of more meals will be served in the days ahead. Sisters Skyann and Marylee take a break from playing at a shelter in Cuero, Texas. Disasters like Hurricane Harvey take an emotional toll on families, but shelters can offer more than safety and food. They give kids a chance to play and relax despite difficult circumstances. Inside, Dveuon plays with building blocks while staying in the shelter in Cuero, Texas. He traveled with his mother Mariah and three siblings to escape the storm. “It’s safe, my kids are safe, I can’t really complain,” Mariah said.And finally, there is Diesel, a service dog, who came to the shelter with his owner, Chris Long. Late at night on August 27 at a Red Cross shelter, Diesel alerted others that Chris was having a stroke. Thanks to his service dog, Chris got the urgent medical attention he needed while staying at the shelter. “The Red Cross, y’all are good people. If you need something they got you,” said Chris.
Every day, we strive to make Chris’s words true.
From cots and blankets, meals and medicine, to hugs and games, we are helping meet the most urgent needs of families and individuals like Chris, thanks to your generous support.