The Red Cross Works to Relieve Human Suffering

I arrived yesterday and I am touched by the kind and generous outporting from this community. This is truly an example of neighbor helping neighbor. This is what help is all about.

A Family Finds Shelter from the Storm

A family of four is being housed in  Red Cross shelter in Cape Fear, NC, while they wait out Hurricane Harriet.  they have been given food, cots, and blankets.  The children are playing with others, while the mother visits with parents who are also living away from their homes.hurricane, Cape Fear,c,

Damage massive, Shelters Open for those in need

Hurricane Harriet brings massive damge to the Richmond area. The Red Cross is on the scene and has shelters open at the following areas:

1234 Main Street
Richmond
…….

Families Return to Find Homes Destroyed

The worst fears of many Norfolk residents forced to evacuate ahead of Hurricane Harriet were confirmed today, as hundreds returned to their neighborhoods only to find a pile of rubble. Shrieks of grief pierced the air on Madison Street, where residents found their entire neighborhood virtually flattened by the category four monster. Red Cross mental health volunteers were on hand to lend comfort to the devastated victims. “It’s real hard seeing this,” said Red Cross Volunteer Jim Berry. “These people have lost everything. You wish you could do more for them.”

At the Red Cross shelter 30 miles west of Norfolk, the mood was tense as residents waited for the local authorities to grant access to restricted neighborhoods. “We have no idea what we’ll find,” said shelter resident Sherry Williams. “We know there’s a real possibility that we’ve lost everything. All we can do is pray that our home is still standing.”

More Supplies Arrive for Hurricane Harriet Evancuees

As the storm was downgraded today, Virginia residents began to survey the damage of their neighborhoods. However, thousands are unable to return home because their communities have suffered some level of damage. Here, at the Norfolk County Lyon Hill High School, families are coming together. More supplies arrived this morning, including snacks, water, mops, toiletries and stuffed animals for children.

The Smith family has seen the flooding on television and are worried about their own home near the coast. “My daughter, wife and I left our home yesterday. Staying at the shelter is kind of like camping,” stated Mr. Smith of the Red Cross shelter. As more supplies arrived, residents seemed relieved and grateful. “We are worried about our home and stuff but it is nice to not to have to worry about where our next meal will come from,” Mr. Smith continued.

Volunteers were on hand to unload the additional supplies that were shipped from Tennessee. They drove through the night to ensure the extra food and blankets arrived by morning.

Amber Beck

Thousands Affected in Aftermath of Hurricane Harriet

Hurricane Harriet, a Category 4 storm, caused large scale flooding and wind damage as it roared through southeastern Virginia and parts of North Carolina.  Residents in these areas were evacuated with many taking cover in Red Cross shelters.  The Red Cross had over 100 shelters operating throughout the region, with 10 additional community buildings opened to accomdate residents who had lost their homes.  “The devastation is truly unbelievable,” said Red Cross spokesperson Jane Smith.  “So many of these people have lived in these homes their entire life and now have nothing to go back to.  We are here to provide not only the physical needs but also to share in the emotional toll this disaster has taken.”

Across the country, the generosity of the American spirit has been evident as many have come forward to volunteer in the affected areas as well as offer monetary and blood donations.  Some blood donors have even faced waits for several hours for the opportunity to donate blood.  Mark Johnson, a blood donor in Ohio, says it’s worth the wait.  “I am blessed to not be affected by this disaster but so many others are.  I’m healthy and able to donate so why wouldn’t I?  It’s a way to give back and help, even though I can’t be there in person.”

The Red Cross will continue to maintain a presence in the affected areas as residents begin the long recovery process.  Those needing assistance are encouraged to call 1-800-RED-CROSS and for more information on the aid and recovery efforts of the Red Cross, visit www.RedCross.org.

Christina Chapman

Baby Harriet is born at shelter

This afternoon, a woman gave birth to a baby girl in a Richmond Red Cross shelter.  The mom, Sarah, said she knew she was getting close to labor when she heard the hurricane was headed to Virginia.  She didn’t expect she would need to evacuate in Richmond, but when she heard Hurricane Harriet took a turn to the north, she quickly packed her hospital bag and other necessities and left for the shelter.  A group of volunteers trained in First Aid assisted in the delivery of a beautiful baby girl.  Sarah decided there couldn’t be a more appropriate name than Harriet.  In the midst of a devastating storm, there is hope in Red Cross shelters around the state.  Baby Harriet is being well cared for by the community at this Richmond shelter.

*EXERCISE – Smiles All Around – EXERCISE*

 

SHELTER FUN

Los Angeles volunteer Mike Schwartz shares some smiles with two young shelter residents over a friendly card game – Passing the time in the XX high school gymnasium converted into a Red Cross emergency shelter where nearly 90 families spent the night.  As millions wait for utilities to be restored, many families are still awaiting updates on the status of local evacuation orders and out-of-touch loved ones.

 - Nick Samaniego, Public Affairs on assigement in the dungeon of the Emory Conference Center, ATL

Harriet…without Ozzie?

Hurricane Harriet was making her way – without Ozzie- to the Eastern shore of Virginia when I last checked the hurricane watch websites. In the Richmond area, residents have already been asked to evacuate- and it’s always the recommendation of the American Red Cross to follow the orders of local authorities. Emergency vehicles that were initially headed to North Carolina made a quick 360 and are headed to northern Virginia- Alexandria to be exact. There are sixty evac shelters open in Virginia alone, so no excuses for those asked to LEAVE. Take a 3 day supply of STUFF and be prepared to batten down the hatches, folks- seriously. Baby girl needs a ton of stuff to evac, so I have to forage and gather to make sure she’s taken care of- and baby dog needs his stuff too! Be safe, be well and be prepared.

Ingrid Bailey