American Red Cross in San Antonio deploys volunteers to help families displaced by Houston flooding

SAN ANTONIO — The American Red Cross is working with local churches, pet shelters and FEMA to help people affected by severe flooding in the Greater Houston area. Hundreds of water rescues and mandatory evacuations are in place in neighborhoods. The American Red Cross South Central Texas is sending staff and volunteers to help displaced families.

Currently, 130 volunteers are deployed in flooded areas. San Antonio has 20 volunteers who distribute emergency supplies and provide transportation for those who will need shelter.

Lucy Medina is an emergency response vehicle driver who has been in the Houston area since Friday. She described the scene, saying she saw fallen and waterlogged trees. And had to be moved to the side of the road to be passable.

“At one place we drove by, you can see there’s a house there, but it was moved off its foundation,” Medina said. “And we passed through a small town where you could say the water was flowing so fast that the whole sidewalk was torn up.

Marco Banda is the spokesperson for the American Red Cross in San Antonio. He says the best way for the community to help is to volunteer. He says it takes a lot of people to help restore people’s lives that have been interrupted by causes beyond their control.

“Severe flooding in Houston requires a lot of volunteers and a lot of effort,” Banda said. “So what we’re asking from the community is your help and support. The strength of Texans comes from their people.”

There are currently seven shelters open in the Greater Houston area for displaced families. If you would like to help those in need, click here.