A disaster strikes and the American Red Cross responds – and many of your neighbors have experienced it firsthand. But how exactly does the Red Cross help when someone like you has been forced to evacuate your home . . . at just a moment’s notice . . . with just your cellphone and the clothes on your back? Visit the Shelter of Hope in Thousand Oaks on Sunday, October 20, 2019, to find out. A fully functional mock Red Cross shelter will be set up to explore and to discover what services are provided by your local American Red Cross chapter.
“Very few people know exactly what goes on in a disaster shelter,” relates Dan Maguire, Disaster Program Manager for the Ventura County Chapter. “That’s the point of this exhibition, to make sure people understand that the Red Cross is always there for our community during its greatest need and to learn how we as a community can help in a disaster.”
The Shelter of Hope will show guests a simulated Red Cross emergency shelter, complete with sleeping facilities, feeding areas, and health services stations. Red Cross emergency vehicles and equipment will also be on display, staffed with local Red Cross volunteers who will share their stories and can answer any questions.
“The Red Cross prepares for and responds to disasters every day,” said Tony Briggs, Regional Chief Executive Officer. “We want the community to see firsthand what thousands of others experience when they are forced to leave their homes in a disaster. While every disaster is different, the essential comfort, care and hope provide has never wavered. We hope this education will inspire visitors to donate to support disaster relief, or even become a Red Cross volunteer.”
The Red Cross responds to nearly 64,000 disasters every year, including many right here in Southern California. An average of 90 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is more than 90% led by volunteers who provide relief and comfort to families in their local communities and all across the country.
All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. Help people affected by disasters like earthquakes and wildfires by making a gift to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org/donate or call 1-800-REDCROSS.
About the American Red Cross Central California Region
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. The American Red Cross Central California Region provides services to the ten California that are home to more than 4 million people. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org.
American Red Cross
Get Citizensjournal.us Headlines free SUBSCRIPTION. Keep us publishing – DONATE
