Red Cross continues flood relief

PENSACOLA, Fla. (WALA) - With sunny skies predicted for this weekend in Northwest Florida, families affected by recent flooding are looking forward to something positive in addition to the weather.

As they spoke with trained Red Cross caseworkers for assistance in meeting their disaster-caused needs, many are finding the bright spot they need.

Brittany Augustine and her two-year-old daughter, Jahbria, lost their clothes and bedding as the water rose in their apartment. Augustine used blankets and pillows to try to stop the rising water around the doors, but instead was forced to flee with her daughter.

Betty Fountain is a diabetic on a special diet, but she lost all her refrigerated food because the power was off in the entire apartment complex for four days. The replacement of those items was just part of what was discussed in her conversation with the Red Cross caseworker.

Both Augustine and Fountain met with Red Cross caseworkers to assess their immediate needs, and to get the assistance they need to start getting their lives back on track. While maybe not considered essential, part of that assistance included a new teddy bear for Jahbri.

"Sixty percent of the needs we’re seeing are food, housing, and medical issues," said Client Casework Supervisor, Malu Armesto, "and, of course, emotional support."

The 33-year veteran volunteer from Panama City added, "We want to be sure that the clients’ needs are met."

The Red Cross continues to provide food, shelter, and individual assistance to those affected by the flooding. One-on-one meetings with those forced from their homes last week will continue until all identified disaster-caused needs have been met.

Red Cross Fast Facts – as of 6/14/12

To Date:

Shelters Open
5

Shelter Overnight Stays
204

Meals and Snacks Served
4,453

Emergency Response Vehicles on the ground
2

Health Services Consultations
610

Clean-up Kits Distributed
105

Comfort Kits Distributed
66

Bulk Items Distributed
541

Outreach Contacts
267

Red Cross Workers
51

People can help those affected by disasters like flooding, as well as countless crises at home and around the world, by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief.

Consider making a donation today by visiting www.redcross.org , calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Contributions may also be sent to your local Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

Contributions enable the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters.