About five weeks ago Hurricane Helene arrived. The American Red Cross, like fellow service and government organizations anticipating the impacts’ severity, moved people and resources into positions to respond from Florida through Georgia, Alabama and into the Carolinas, starting days prior to landfall. Red Cross closely coordinates with local, state, national and federal response organizations to ensure the impacts are addressed through an integrated approach that leverages the strengths and expertise each organization brings to a disaster. But, in the end, it is still a disaster with extensive search, rescue, sheltering, feeding, debris removal and clean up needs amidst areas hampered by exceptional infrastructure and access losses. They expect to remain for quite a while.

So far about 4,200 Red Crossers have responded, four from North Mississippi. The peak number of Red Crossers deployed at once reached about 2,225 on Oct. 10, 2024. During the fifth week after landfall at least 1,000 survivors (down from a landfall peak of about 18,000) remain in shelters supported or managed by the Red Cross. Currently, about 1,000 Red Crossers work in shelters, deliver and serve food, resolve about 11,500 reunification inquiries, deliver emergency supplies, assist with the damage assessments and logistics supporting survivors’ care, provide individually focused comfort and concern to survivors-especially for those who’ve lost or sought to reunite or reconnect with loved ones and advocate for their recovery.

After five weeks, responders in North Carolina are still finding and making first outside contact with pockets of survivors who have been on their own, isolated, without potable water, flushing toilets, electricity, WiFi/phone/internet, nor transportation and surviving in makeshift shelter situations (e.g. tents, campers or portions of damaged structures). Many must find new permanent living arrangements but will have damage and losses that are not insured. The Red Cross partners with local, state, national and federal organizations to address the long-term recovery needs of these communities and people.

All sorts of caring, capable Americans showed up and remain focused upon taking care of fellow Americans suffering and in need. These needs will remain for months. Winter and the holiday season are here. Please lift those affected and those serving in your prayers. Remember these fellow Americans will not celebrate with loved ones as in the past. If you wish to learn how you can help, contact the service organization of your choice and ask for their advice.

Gail Thompson

Clay County