Hurricane Helene is being reported as one of the most devastating storms of 2024.
So far, it has claimed the lives of over 100 people, with thousands still missing and unaccounted for.
The American Red Cross' mission is to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies and Hurricane Helene is no different.
The Permian Basin chapter of the American Red Cross is sending out an urgent call for volunteers during this time of need.
Executive Director of the American Red Cross serving the Permian Basin, Tracy Austin, said she could not find a way to contextually explain how devastating Helene is in a way that people would understand.
"The vice president of Disaster Services for the American Red Cross said that he's never seen anything like this in his 30 years as a disaster responder," Austin said. "This is unprecedented. The need is huge.”
So far, the Red Cross serving the Permian Basin has deployed at least 15 volunteers to assist with relief efforts. Volunteers are helping with everything from food and water distribution to providing mental health support and medical care.
“We have mental health services that will be provided because this is a traumatic experience,” Austin said. “We will have medical care for those who had to leave behind their prescriptions. If they need medical equipment like a CPAP machine, walker, or wheelchair, we’ll get that replaced for them.”
Above all, securing safe shelter remains the number one priority.
"People are still stranded,” Austin said. “They’re still being picked up off their roofs. There is no way in right now. People need a safe place to be, and that’s what we’re focusing on.”
Despite overwhelming efforts, the need for more volunteers continues to grow. The Red Cross is urgently reaching out, asking anyone for help.
"We are sending out a plea,” Austin said. “If you can deploy for two weeks with the American Red Cross, we cover all of the expenses. We will train you on what to do and how to provide comfort and compassion to the people who so desperately need it in the affected areas.”
Austin emphasized that this is a desperate situation and millions of people are in need of help. Therefore, the Red Cross is asking community members for two things.
They are asking anyone who is able to volunteer locally, visit the American Red Cross office in Odessa.
"We need people to backfill the volunteers who are leaving to go deploy," Austin said. "Even if you can't leave, volunteering [locally] will help."
She also added that, "if you can’t volunteer here but can take two weeks for deployment, please do that."
The Red Cross is asking people to text "HELENE" to 90999 to make a $10 donation, which adds up quickly.
The devastation from Hurricane Helene is far from over, and the need for support from everyone is critical.