As the frequency of extreme weather disasters surges, the American Red Cross Texas Gulf Coast Region is sending out a clarion call for volunteers to step up and assist in disaster shelters across the nation. With hurricanes like the devastating Helene leaving a trail of destruction, the need for help has never been more urgent. If you're looking to make a real difference in the lives of families facing unimaginable challenges, now is the time to act.

Extreme Times Call for Extraordinary Volunteers

Picture this: you’ve survived three hurricanes in just over a year. That’s the reality for Amber Barteau and her family, who, over the weekend, sought refuge at a Red Cross shelter in Perry, Florida, after Hurricane Helene unleashed its fury on their home. “As soon as I pulled up to the shelter, it made me feel good,” Amber shared, her voice a mix of exhaustion and relief. “I thought to myself, this is safe, and I’m going to be OK.”

For countless families like Amber's, Red Cross shelters offer more than just a roof—they provide hope, safety, and the promise of tomorrow.

The Red Cross isn't just in the business of disaster relief; it's in the business of restoring lives. Every year, volunteers roll up their sleeves and head to the frontlines, offering a warm bed, a hot meal, and a compassionate heart to those who need it most. Right now, with more than 900 responders already deployed to areas devastated by Hurricane Helene, the Red Cross needs even more helping hands to meet the growing demand.

A Climate Crisis on the Horizon: The Need for Volunteers Grows

Hurricane Helene has already driven over 2,600 people to seek shelter, and that number is rising daily. States like North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida are grappling with massive destruction, with some regions still too inaccessible for full disaster assessments. As the climate crisis worsens, these weather events are becoming more severe and frequent, leaving communities vulnerable and in desperate need of support.

But hurricane season is far from over. With storms brewing in both the Gulf and Atlantic, as well as increased wildfire risks in the Southwest and California, the Red Cross is preparing for another wave of disasters. And with each passing storm, the demand for skilled, compassionate volunteers skyrockets.

What It Takes to Be a Red Cross Volunteer

If you’ve ever wanted to contribute to something bigger than yourself, here’s your chance. The Red Cross is looking for volunteers who are ready to make a two-week commitment this fall. No prior disaster experience? No problem! If you have leadership, management, or organizational skills—and a heart for helping others—you’re exactly who they’re looking for.

As Jake Peters, the Texas Gulf Coast Region's Regional Disaster Officer, puts it: "When disasters upend lives, Red Cross volunteers are on the frontlines providing refuge and comfort to people in their darkest hours. They truly are the heart and soul of the Red Cross."

Volunteers will undergo essential training to ensure they're ready to handle the fast-paced, ever-changing nature of disaster relief work. Once deployed, they’ll assist in providing critical services, from offering mental health support to replacing lost medications for survivors, all while ensuring that no one has to weather the storm alone.

How You Can Help — Even If You Can’t Volunteer

Maybe volunteering isn’t in the cards for you right now. That’s okay. You can still support the Red Cross’s lifesaving mission by making a financial donation. Every dollar makes a difference, enabling the organization to prepare for, respond to, and help people recover from disasters like Hurricane Helene. Visit redcross.org or text "HELENE" to 90999 to donate today.

The challenges we face are growing, but so is our resilience. Together, we can help families rebuild, one shelter, one meal, and one moment of hope at a time.

Join the Movement for Good

Don’t wait for the next disaster to strike. Whether you’re able to volunteer or donate, you can be part of the movement to support our neighbors in need. The Red Cross is counting on us, and so are the families facing the fallout from hurricanes, wildfires, and other climate-related catastrophes.

For more information or to become a disaster shelter volunteer, visit redcross.org/volunteer today. Together, we can ensure that no family is left to weather the storm alone.