Family Finds Comfort and Cups in Red Cross Shelter

Just as flood waters began impacting Kentucky at the end of February, brother and sister Dennis and Lisa Johnson, and their extended family arrived at the Colvin Community Center in Radcliff. As rain rushed in, they quickly realized they needed a safe, dry place to stay.

“Three more inches and it will be in my living room,” said Lisa, a resident of West Point, KY.

Dennis, who also lives in West Point, said his house was not at risk of flooding. Instead, he came to the shelter out of concern that the flood water may have stranded him in his home.

“We’re waiting to hear what the mayor says before we try to go home,” he said. “It may not be before the end of the week.”

The family arrived at the shelter with what they could carry. For their three-year-old niece, Angel, that meant a single bottle. When American Red Cross volunteers at the shelter heard that she couldn’t drink from the regular cups provided, the volunteers headed to the store and brought back sippy cups she could use.

“We’re drowning in sippy cups now,” said Angel’s mother, Jennifer. “The Red Cross has gone above and beyond.”

In addition to cups for the children, the Red Cross has provided food, blankets and cots, showers, and even shelter for the family’s dogs through Hardin County Animal Care and Control. The Red Cross will continue providing shelter and comfort across Kentucky for as long as it is needed.

By the end of the week, they are back in more permanent housing.

To find a shelter near you, please visit redcross.org/shelter or download the Red Cross Emergency App. If you have been affected by the flooding and need immediate assistance, please call 1-800 RED CROSS.