The American Red Cross Northern California is issuing an urgent appeal for volunteers who are willing to travel this fall to support emergency shelters for major national disaster relief efforts.

Interested volunteers are urged to sign up today at redcross.org/volunteer. All candidates must complete necessary training and be able to commit to a two-week deployment. Applicants who don’t have disaster experience, but have supervision, management or organization skills; a strong desire to help others; and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, are encouraged to apply.

“When disasters upend lives, Red Cross volunteers are on the frontlines providing refuge and comfort to people in their darkest hours,” John Ruiz, Regional Disaster Officer said. “They truly are the heart and soul of the Red Cross — comprising 90 percent of our workforce — to help ensure families never face a crisis alone.”

In emergency shelters, Red Cross disaster volunteers provide people with a safe place to stay, necessities like food and water, and critical services like mental health support and basic health services such as replacing lost medications or medical equipment.

As of this past week, more than 900 Red Cross disaster responders, including more than 25 volunteers from the Northern California Coastal Region, were on the ground across 10 states devastated by Hurricane Helene in the Southeast, including hard-hit North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida.

On one recent night, more than 2,600 people stayed in 69 emergency shelters supported by the Red Cross and other community organizations. Hurricane season is far from over and what’s more, the Southwest and California are forecast to have above-normal wildfire risk this fall. As the climate crisis worsens, disasters are becoming more intense and frequent — leading the Red Cross to respond on a nearly continuous basis.

Beyond becoming a Red Cross volunteer, people can help in other ways as well. Financial donations and blood donations are most needed. Financial donations are the quickest and fastest way to get help to people; visit redcross.org for more information and to donate. Also, those who are able are encouraged to schedule a blood donation appointment now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or using the Blood Donor App to help restock the shelves.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow them on social media.