On a cold December 2018 morning, we received a call that a family’s home caught fire and the family needed assistance. DAT (Disaster Action Team – a group of volunteers on call 24 hours a day) responded and met with the family. The head of household, at first, was not willing to accept the assistance as he felt embarrassed. Then he realized that assistance was needed more than he imagined after learning that the insurance wouldn’t be out until the next day. We provided immediate DCA (Direct Client Assistance – cash assistance) for more than $600 to assist with the family’s immediate needs. We also issued blankets, comfort kits, and our Moving Forward Booklet (designed to walk a client step by step through the recovery process). We closed the case after follow-up was complete as the clients stated that their needs were met. The wife then called and stated that the insurance was not going to cover the costs for their replacement dwelling as expected and asked if we could help with some of the costs. We reopened the case and issued Supplemental DCA for $300 to help with those costs. The family appreciated the assistance provided by the American Red Cross.
-American Red Cross