What happens when you call the client hotline?

When a person calls the Client Hotline for disaster assistance, an American Red Cross representative will be on the other line to answer your call. The Red Cross representative will take down your information and pass it along to our casework team, which will send that information to the team closest to the caller’s neighborhood. The local neighborhood caseworker will attempt to contact the person to set up a time to meet to assess needs (clean up kits, referrals, etc.).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you provide me with a place to stay?

The Red Cross is not providing housing assistance at this time. But, the organization has a strong team of community and government partner organizations that assist the organization in helping residents recover from disasters. Caseworkers will be able to assist in referring you to a partner who will be able to meet your lodging needs, on an individual basis.

Can I get financial assistance for damages within my home?

The Client Hotline representative will refer you to a caseworker that will help determine the level of assistance needed and referrals for your individual case.

My neighbor got assistance, will I?

Every case is different. Caseworkers will work individually with residents to determine what that person needs.

Why is it taking so long for someone to call me back?

Right after a resident calls the hotline, a volunteer passes that information along to the casework team. Casework involves working with each individual or family to determine what they need and the best way to meet those needs. The Red Cross wants to spend the money people donate for disasters as quickly as the organization can, but it’s also important that we spend the funds wisely and carefully. Both of these considerations take time. In addition, it can take some time for families to determine what they need, or their needs may change over time as more is known about the damage. However long it takes, the Red Cross is committed to helping residents recover.

What is a clean-up kit?

A clean up kit is a variety of supplies that can assist in the clean-up of your home. Items can include: gloves, shovel, rake, trash bags, bleach, etc. Please also view our tips for cleaning safety here: http://rdcrss.org/2xnQMWk