Mainers among Red Cross volunteers helping after Hurricane Ida

PORTLAND – Maine volunteers for the American Red Cross have traveled to Louisiana and Mississippi to help
provide shelter and comfort for people affected by Hurricane Ida.
The number of people seeking shelter in American Red Cross shelters has increased as power outages continue and people leave homes that are too damaged to stay in.
The Red Cross of Northern New England deployed two of the region’s emergency response vehicles to the affected areas, and 12 volunteers from New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine have deployed for two weeks.
“I do this because I want to help people,” said Jim Larson, of Hampden, deploying as an emergency response vehicle driver. “I’ve had two careers before this and this one gives me the opportunity to continue the life skills I’ve learned and be able to help other people who need that help.”
Stephanie Couturier, Red Cross of Northern New England CEO, said, “We know that people want to do everything they can to help after a disaster. The first priority for the Red Cross is to provide shelter and support to those affected, and financial donations are the quickest and best way to get help to those who need it most. Your financial donation to the Red Cross helps provide shelter, meals, relief supplies, emotional support, recovery planning and other assistance during disasters.”
For ways to help, including donations, visit www.redcross.org/nne or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

PHOTO courtesy American Red Cross Northern New England Facebook