Your Red Cross Update

What a busy time for local American Red Cross shelter volunteers! Earlier this year, volunteers in Silicon Valley, Calif., had to set up not one, not two, but FIVE shelters in one week!  

It all started on February 26, when the volunteers underwent a test to see if they could set up three shelters simultaneously within a certain timeframe. They had to get enough staff and supplies to three locations to shelter 100 people at each for one night. This annual disaster simulation is part of a national campaign to ensure our communities are prepared for unexpected emergencies. The Silicon Valley volunteers did great and scored 95 percent and higher on all aspects of the test.  

Before they could even celebrate their accomplishment, two days later on February 28, a real emergency occurred. The Fire Department in Santa Clara urgently evacuated an apartment complex due to structural issues and it was deemed unsafe for occupancy. The Red Cross responded immediately and set up a shelter so residents didn’t have to sleep in their cars. 

“The Santa Clara team was on scene quickly to support everyone affected,” said Red Cross Regional Disaster Officer John Ruiz. 

Before volunteers could catch their breath, two days later on March 2, the Santa Clara team responded to a fire in a 26-unit apartment complex in Campbell. 

“For us to get that second call, I wouldn’t have expected that. What are the odds?” said Jim Mollerus. Jim has been a Red Cross sheltering coordinator for 11 years so he knows how unusual such a high number of events in one week is. “We might open two shelters in a year, or one, or none.” 

After that fire, Red Cross volunteers set up a shelter in Campbell, which even accommodated a pet cat. They ensured residents had a safe place to sleep and access to services if they needed them. 

“I can’t say enough about the Santa Clara team…Just an incredible job handling all of that with a high level of excellence. Thank you, Silicon Valley team!” said John. 

Jim agrees and says the volunteers in his chapter have one special thing in common: “They have a desire to help people and want to help people in a real direct way.” 

Jim notes that wildfire season is coming up and burnout is on the top of everyone’s mind. Although the team is mighty in compassion, these Red Cross volunteers can always use more helping hands. 

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with the Red Cross, please visit Volunteer Connection to get started.