During the last week, the Oregon Trail Chapter of the American Red Cross has been busy meeting the needs of Oregonians from Baker City to Vernonia and all points in between.
While the media focus has been on the Red Cross Emergency Warming Centers, which operated for an unprecedented 14 consecutive nights in Portland, disaster volunteers have been hard at work elsewhere around the state.
Here's a quick look at recent activities:
Vernonia Shelter -- On December 20, a shelter opened at the Vernonia Community Church to provide assistance to residents left without power. The Red Cross has supported this operation with cots, blankets and other supplies, including batteries and self-heating meals.
Boardman Shelter -- On December 26, a Red Cross shelter opened at Riverside High School after a fire at the Columbia View apartment complex in Boardman, Ore. The shelter was in operation for three days and two nights, providing 109 meals and warm place to sleep for 18 displaced residents. Affected families also received assistance with clothing, groceries and finding temporary housing.
Baker County Shelter -- On December 27, a Red Cross shelter opened at the Baker County Fairgrounds at the request of ODOT and the Oregon State Police. While there were no overnight residents, the Red Cross was prepared to provide assistance to any travelers stranded along I-84.
The Oregon Trail Chapter has also been responding to a higher than usual number of home fires. While the Chapter typically responds to a local emergency once every 36 hours, this winter has seen the frequency increase to once every 19 hours. In the last week, the Chapter has provided food, shelter and emotional support following a single family fire in Milwaukie, a multiple family fire in Tualatin, and a single family fire in The Dalles.
All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. To support the ongoing work of the Oregon Trail Chapter, visit www.oregonredcross.org/donate.
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In Oregon, the American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disaster every 12 hours; provides 97 percent of Oregon's blood supply; teaches thousands of Oregonians lifesaving skills; provides transportation to seniors and the disabled; 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 humanitarian mission. For more information, please visit www.oregonredcross.org or join the conversation on our award-winning blog at www.oregonredcross.org/blog.
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