By Margarita Moreno, Community Adaptation Program Manager
On the outskirts of unincorporated Tulare County, the rural community of Allensworth came together this April for a Wildfire Readiness Expo that combined critical safety information with shared meals, family activities, and trusted local connection.
Co-hosted by the American Red Cross Central California Region and its Community Adaptation Program (CAP) and our local partner Allensworth Progressive Association (APA), the event brought together nearly a dozen agencies and organizations to offer preparedness tools, health services and educational resources—rooted in a shared commitment to local leadership and community care.
Allensworth has weathered its share of hardship. From extreme heat, arsenic contaminated water, wildfire risk, and the devastating floods of 2023.
When those floodwaters cut off access and overwhelmed infrastructure, it was the residents themselves who mobilized first—checking on neighbors, sharing supplies, and organizing when no formal help had yet arrived. This same spirit shaped the Readiness Expo, which reached 180 individuals across 60 households—more than half of Allensworth’s households.
As climate-related disasters grow more frequent, readiness is not just about equipment or warnings—it’s about connection, access and trusted relationships. At the Expo, neighbors received emergency kits and preparedness education, and participated in youth and adult safety presentations. The day also featured a community egg hunt ahead of the Easter holiday and a free taco lunch, creating space for families to connect and learn in an approachable and welcoming setting.
Essential health services were offered on-site at no cost by another Red Cross partner, Family HealthCare Network, including glucose and iron screenings, bird flu immunizations, and wellness information from local providers. Several agencies offered resources and presentations on topics like wildfire insurance, utility scams, water and air quality, and wildfire risk in Allensworth.
Allensworth Progressive Association played a central role in the event’s success—securing the venue at the local elementary school, leading outreach efforts, and independently raising funds to provide emergency supply totes to attending families. This spring, APA was honored with the Good Neighbor Award at the Red Cross Annual Volunteer Recognition Awards, in recognition of their consistent leadership and deep commitment to community well-being.
“When the floods happened in 2023, we were cut off by the floodwaters. The American Red Cross gave us hope,” said Tekoah Kadara, Acting Co-Associate Executive Director of APA, when receiving the partnership award. “We are so appreciative of the Community Adaptation Program, who has helped us a lot. “We have just worked hard, and when you do what you think is right, you don’t expect to get anything in return. This is a tremendous honor to us, and we’re going to continue to do the work for the communities that stand in need. When you experience a crisis, you pull yourself up and pull your community together to do get the work done.”
A moment that stood out at the Expo came when a family approached the Red Cross booth—the same family had connected with us during outreach efforts the previous summer. They live in a remote area and have worked hard to make their home livable, despite challenges.
After being forced to evacuate during a past wildfire, they asked their landlord for working smoke alarms. Though they offered to cover the cost if their rent was slightly adjusted, the request was denied. Remembering the Red Cross volunteers they had met before, they returned to the Expo seeking support. A follow-up visit was scheduled, and the next week, Red Cross workers installed smoke alarms and conducted a wildfire safety assessment.
Their story reflects the long-term trust being built across rural communities—where neighbors know who to reach out to, because we’ve shown up before and continue to show up.
“Families didn’t just leave with resources. They left feeling seen and supported,” said Goana Toscano of Allensworth Progressive Association. “That’s what made the event so powerful. It was beautiful, emotional and absolutely necessary. We have to do this again next year.”
The Wildfire Readiness Expo is just one example of how community-led efforts and cross-sector partnerships can help ensure that families have the information, supplies, and local relationships needed to navigate disaster with strength and dignity in communities like Allensworth, “The Town that Refuses to Die.”
Red Cross Central California Blog 