A Year Later, Red Cross Still in Texas Helping Hurricane Harvey Survivors

One year after Hurricane Harvey devastated parts of Texas and Louisiana, the American Red Cross is still helping people affected by the powerful storm which caused billions of dollars in damage and changed lives forever.

More than 100 disaster-workers from the Palmetto SC Region of the Red Cross responded to help people in the impacted areas over the last year. In fact, one South Carolina volunteer is in virtually deployed today helping with the long-term recovery effort.

Through the extraordinary support of the American public, the Red Cross raised $522.7 million to help Harvey survivors. Now, a year later, the organization has already spent or made commitments to spend 77 percent of these funds on emergency relief and recovery assistance – or approximately $403.1 million. The remaining funds will be used to support individuals and families needing additional help, as well as to provide longer-term recovery services in affected communities. And, 91 cents of every dollar received for Hurricane Harvey will be spent on our services to people affected by Hurricane Harvey.



“The support for those whose lives Hurricane Harvey turned upside down has been absolutely inspiring,” said Louise Welch Williams, regional chief executive officer. “There is certainly more work ahead, but thanks to the generosity of our donors and the dedication of our South Carolina volunteers, the Red Cross will continue to be there to lend a helping hand.”

Full details are available in the Red Cross’ Hurricane Harvey One-Year Update. View personal stories of how the Red Cross helped people after this devastating storm in this moving video

South Carolina Red Cross Disaster-Workers Deploy to Hawaii

Several disaster-workers from the Palmetto SC Region of the American Red Cross are on their way to Hawaii as Hurricane Lane inches closer to the islands.

Three disaster-workers left the state within 24 hours of being notified. Two are from the Eastern SC Chapter (Conway and Myrtle Beach). The third disaster-worker is from the Central SC chapter (Lexington).

They will help with operating shelters, providing health services to those impacted and supporting the staff and volunteers who are on the island.

A typical deployment for a Red Cross responder is between 14 and 21 days. During that time, they will focus on helping Hawaiians prepare for, and recover from, the storm.

The Palmetto SC Region of the Red Cross stands ready to send additional disaster-workers, as requested.

South Carolina Red Cross Volunteers Deploy to California

Several volunteers from the Palmetto SC Region of the American Red Cross are heading to California as wildfires continue to burn throughout many parts of the state.

Four volunteers got the call to travel to California on Sunday. At this time, three volunteers will be assisting with the Mendocino Complex wildfire and one volunteer will be assisting with the Carr fire.

As many as 17 wildfires are currently burning in California. 

Three volunteers are leaving from the Red Cross of Eastern SC Chapter. One volunteer is leaving from the Red Cross of Upstate SC. While on the ground, the volunteers will be running shelters and coordinating the supply and distribution of much-needed relief supplies. Right now, more than 1,000 Red Cross disaster workers are on the ground. The Red Cross has opened more than 20 shelters, provided more than 73,000 meals and snacks and distributed more than 18,200 relief supplies.

“Once again, South Carolina Red Cross volunteers are jumping into action to help during a devastating disaster,” said Louise Welch Williams, regional chief executive officer. “We are so thankful for these willing volunteers, who have paused their personal lives to help others.”

The Palmetto SC Region of the Red Cross stands ready to send additional disaster workers, as requested.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation’s blood; 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. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org/SC or @RedCrossSC

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