More Indiana Volunteers Support Red Cross Relief Efforts Across The Nation

Last updated on Wednesday, October 17, 2018

(UNDATED) - The American Red Cross has 34 Hoosier volunteers on the ground responding to two massive disaster relief efforts after Hurricane Michael caused untold devastation along the Gulf Coast, and as Hurricane Florence relief operations continue.

Hurricane Michael, a Category 4, demolished entire blocks of homes and left a half million people without power. The hardest hit areas are not yet accessible, due to debris in the roads and downed power lines. The Red Cross has mobilized to support relief efforts across three states--Alabama, Georgia, and Florida--and is working with partners, such as the National Guard, to move volunteers and supplies.

Hurricane Florence relief efforts are far from over; the Red Cross is still managing shelters in the Carolinas, along with its involvement in the immense recovery operation.

In response to Hurricane Michael, the American Red Cross has already:

Deployed more than 1,100 disaster workers;
Organized 23 Red Cross and community evacuation centers;
Provided more than 80 percent of the 20,000 overnight stays in emergency shelters;
Worked with partners to serve more than 165,200 meals and snacks;
Utilized a team of volunteer mental health and health services professionals to provide evacuees some 2,100 contacts offering care and support; and Distributed more than 3,300 relief items such as clean-up kits, rakes, shovels, and bleach.

In response to Hurricane Florence, the American Red Cross:

Is still supporting nearly 400 people in 10 Red Cross shelters in the Carolinas;
Provided about 92 percent of the 125,400 overnight stays in emergency shelters;
Has more than 2,000 disaster workers (93 percent volunteers) on the ground in the Carolinas;
Served more than 1.56 million meals and snacks;
Utilized a team of volunteer mental health and health services professionals to provide evacuees some 49,000 contacts offering care and support; and distributed more than 323,400 relief items such as clean-up kits, rakes, shovels, and bleach.

"While it may seem that the focus has shifted to Michael, it's important to remember the Red Cross often juggles multiple disaster relief operations, including nearly 66,000 disasters annually," said Duchess Adjei, regional communication director for the Indiana Region of the American Red Cross. "We cannot forget about the individuals and families impacted by Hurricanes Michael and Florence, nor can we hit pause on our commitment right here in Indiana--responding to home fires, collecting blood donations, and building more resilient communities."

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