RED CROSS TRANSITIONS SHELTER RESIDENTS TO RECOVERY PLANS Santa Barbara, Calif., January 18, 2017 — In partnership with local relief organizations and government agencies, the American Red Cross of the Pacific Coast transitioned the San Marcos High School shelter to standby at 6:00 a.m. Thursday morning. Red Cross caseworkers met with each shelter resident to … Continue reading 1/18/18: American Red Cross Update
Personal Loss Leads to Service for Others
“My heart aches to see my community suffering after such a devastating tragedy.” When the call went out for American Red Cross volunteers to help, Cullen Dorais quickly stepped up, just like he has done in the past 11 years. But this time the call was very different, since the call for help was for … Continue reading Personal Loss Leads to Service for Others
Wildfire Burn Areas Bring Threat of Landslides
Recent wildfires may be contained, but the threat of new natural disasters linger in impacted communities. Wildfire burn scars are more vulnerable to landslides, meaning that many neighborhoods recently evacuated due to fires are once again seeing their homes threatened. With rainfall impacting most of our Central California Region next week, the Red Cross is … Continue reading Wildfire Burn Areas Bring Threat of Landslides
Additional Thomas Fire Services Available
Since evacuation orders first began to lift for the Thomas Fire, the Red Cross has been there, helping families on the road to recovery. The local Red Cross is now expanding its recovery service centers for those affected by the fire: Ventura County Credit Union, 6026 Telephone Rd., Ventura, CA 93003 Saturday and Sunday, December … Continue reading Additional Thomas Fire Services Available
Residents Receive Special Visits at Red Cross Shelters
Over the span of the Thomas Fire, residents at Red Cross shelters receive unexpected visits from some special animals. Service animals are always welcome in Red Cross shelters. On December 17, 2017, Miss Basil made a guest appearance at the Ventura County Fairgrounds Red Cross shelter. There are many special things about this bunny: she … Continue reading Residents Receive Special Visits at Red Cross Shelters
Kindness Comes Full Circle, and a Red Cross Angel Earns Her Wings
“If there was ever a Red Cross Angel, it would have to be Bettye.” This term, “Red Cross Angel”, is given by fellow Red Crossers to a comrade who consistently displays compassion, empathy and resourcefulness for the benefit of others- behaviors the American Red Cross holds dear and looks for in every potential volunteer. It’s … Continue reading Kindness Comes Full Circle, and a Red Cross Angel Earns Her Wings
Over 800 Community Members Become Red Cross Volunteers During Thomas Fire
The outpouring of support from the Santa Barbara and Ventura communities has been incredible. The Red Cross helps to mobilize local residents who want to help their neighbors after a disaster, including the Thomas Fire. When needed, community volunteers can expand the reach of trained Red Crossers by helping to hand out relief supplies or … Continue reading Over 800 Community Members Become Red Cross Volunteers During Thomas Fire
Thomas Fire Recovery Services
Note: Click here to see an updated list of Red Cross service center dates and times (12/29/17). The American Red Cross is continuing to support residents affected by the Thomas Fire, even as the holidays approach. Several Assistance Centers are currently open to help local families as they recover from the largest fire in California … Continue reading Thomas Fire Recovery Services
Cold, Wet Winter Night
I remember it was right before Christmas when I received a call for a house fire. It was cold, late at night, and it had just finished sprinkling, so it was very wet out. I hesitated to go, however I knew that I had signed on so I decided to get up and answer the … Continue reading Cold, Wet Winter Night
Honoring the Veterans
The Stand-Down was started in 1988 by Vietnam veterans, for Vietnam veterans, because when they came home they had no place to go and it has grown to what it is now. The Central Valley Veterans’ Stand-Down (CVVSD) celebrated its 27th year in September. The event is held annually for four days during the third … Continue reading Honoring the Veterans