Oregon Red Cross Assisted at Five Home Fires Last Week
Home fires are devastating for families, and almost twice a day in Oregon, a family is displaced by fire and left on their own. That’s when the Oregon Red Cross steps in to help.
“I am in awe. You and your team helped us out so much,” said Jan B. “I thank you for all you did for my family.”
In the past week, Red Cross volunteers responded to five home fires in Oregon. Our volunteers provided humanitarian assistance to 17 adults, 13 children and three pets displaced by these fires. Sadly, one person and several pets were also lost in these blazes.
“The tragedy of home fires touches so many lives,” said Maree Wacker, Regional Executive of the Oregon Red Cross. “Friends, neighbors and the community are also affected when families are forced from their homes, but in the immediate aftermath, when a family needs help the most, the Red Cross is there.”
Red Cross assistance for these families included immediate lodging, food, clothing, comfort kits, medical supplies and information on health and mental health services. These services are given free of charge as part of the Red Cross mission to provide relief to victims of disaster and help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. It is a voluntary relief movement, supported by the American people, and not prompted in any manner by desire for gain.
To learn more about how the Red Cross helps families following a home fire, see our video on YouTube: http://youtu.be/lPWb2D82u5E.