Volunteers Needed To Support Disaster Response In Southeast Tennessee

  • Thursday, September 21, 2023
The Red Cross is asking for help from disaster volunteers, who will receive training to respond to the scene of home fires and other disasters. 

Officials said, "Volunteers in the Southeast Tennessee for the American Red Cross responded to many historic disasters both locally and throughout the nation in the last twelve months. These dedicated volunteers have served communities dealing with floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires in back-to-back disasters.

"Severe weather is part of a worsening national trend in which the American Red Cross has responded to nearly twice as many large disasters across the country as it did a decade ago.  

"As rapidly intensifying, weather-related events pose serious challenges to its humanitarian work and the people it serves, the Red Cross has announced an ambitious national plan to take urgent action. 

"With more climate-driven disasters upending lives and devastating communities, the organization is racing to adapt its services and grow its disaster response capacity across the country."

In the Tennessee Region, this includes training volunteers on how to respond to disasters locally and across the country. 

"The Southeast Tennessee of the American Red Cross responds to these disasters and many home fires weekly, sometimes daily," officials said.
"Volunteers make up about 90 percent of the American Red Cross workforce, helping to make it possible to provide immediate support to our neighbors in time of need.  

"Volunteers provide emotional support, safe shelter, vital supplies, emergency assistance and information to help families begin recovery. The Southeast Tennessee is conducting a local volunteer recruitment and training for those looking to make a lasting impact for others."

Upcoming informational and training sessions:  
- Sept. 26, American Red Cross, 4115 S. Access Road in Chattanooga from 10:30-11:30 a.m.; and
- Sept. 28, American Red Cross, 4115 S. Access Road in Chattanooga from 4-5 p.m. 

With questions about the need for volunteers or how the American Red Cross responds in your community, contact Idaline Diaz, Disaster Program manager, at Idaline.diaz@redcross.org.
Living Well
Erlanger Celebrates 4 "Outstanding" Social Workers During Social Worker Awareness Month
Erlanger Celebrates 4 "Outstanding" Social Workers During Social Worker Awareness Month
  • 4/24/2025

Erlanger recently came together to honor and recognize social workers across the system. Peers were able to nominate social workers in various departments, selecting four Social Worker of the ... more

Signal Centers Invites Community To Free Accessibility Resource Fair May 15
  • 4/24/2025

As part of the nationwide Global Accessibility Awareness Day movement, the seventh annual Signal Centers Accessibility Awareness Summit is returning next month. This year’s programming includes ... more

Local Nonprofit For Mothers In Crisis Opens New Thrift Store To Support Ministry
Local Nonprofit For Mothers In Crisis Opens New Thrift Store To Support Ministry
  • 4/24/2025

Foundation House Ministries announces the opening of their new thrift store in Athens that will employ and support mothers in their program. A grand opening ceremony will be held at the ... more