Red Cross helps thousands in Louisiana; provides shelter, food, relief supplies
August 26, 2016
More than 70 Red Crossers from South Carolina Helping Families in Louisiana
The American Red Cross remains on the ground in Louisiana, with volunteers across nearly half of the state helping the thousands of people who have lost everything they own in the devastating flooding there.
“The situation in Louisiana remains critical,” said Louise Welch Williams, regional CEO for the American Red Cross in South Carolina, who spent a week in Louisiana assisting with the disaster relief operation. “In the shelter in Walker, Louisiana, I met families who have nothing left but each other. People need help right now. And our help is just beginning. We will be there to help people recover in the weeks and months to come. We ask people to please consider making a financial donation to the Red Cross today to support the people of Louisiana.”
More than 90 Red Cross response vehicles are fanning through affected neighborhoods to distribute food, water and relief supplies. Disaster mental health and health services volunteers are providing emotional support and helping to replace things like lost eyeglasses, wheelchairs and medications.
As of August 24, more than 2,500 Red Crossers have provided the following services:
• Served more than 360,000 meals and snacks.
• Distributed more than 126,000 relief items.
• Provided more than 47,000 overnight stays in emergency shelters.
• Handled nearly 22,000 calls from people seeking information and help.
• Provided 8,000 health services and emotional support contacts.
• Mobilized four kitchens.
Each day, the Red Cross is able to get into more and more neighborhoods, and volunteers are working tirelessly to provide assistance. In some areas, residents are still experiencing flooding, while other neighborhoods are facing the challenge of cleaning up. Where possible, the Red Cross is beginning to distribute food and relief supplies.
HOW TO HELP People can donate by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS, texting the word LAFLOODS to 90999 to make a $10 donation, or by sending a donation to 2751 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201.
Donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recovery from these disasters.
BECOME A VOLUNTEER To join us, visit redcross.org/southcarolina today to learn more about volunteer opportunities and how to submit a volunteer application.
DOWNLOAD EMERGENCY APP Download the free Red Cross Emergency App to receive emergency alerts and information about what to do in case of flooding, hurricanes, and other disasters, as well as locations of shelters. The App also includes emergency first aid information and a Family Safe feature which allows people to instantly see if loved ones are okay. The free Emergency App is available in app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.
