The American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania is issuing an urgent appeal for volunteers who are willing to travel this fall to support emergency shelters for major national disaster relief efforts. 

Interested volunteers must be willing to commit to a two-week deployment. The Red Cross says individuals who don't have disaster experience, but have supervision, management or organization skills, a strong desire to help others and the ability to thrive in a fast paced, dynamic environment are encouraged to apply. 

Interested volunteers can apply online. 

“When disasters upend lives, Red Cross volunteers are on the frontlines providing refuge and comfort to people in their darkest hours,” said Jorge Martinez, CEO, American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania. “They truly are the heart and soul of the Red Cross — comprising 90% of our workforce — to help ensure families never face a crisis alone.”

Red Cross disaster volunteers provide people with a safe place to stay, necessities like food and water, and critical services like mental health support, along with basic health services. 

Volunteers are also needed here at home to support the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania's daily services such as responding to home fires and flooding as a Disaster Action Team member. 

More than 1,000 Red Cross disaster responders are on the ground across 10 states devastated by Hurricane Helene in the Southeast. More than 30 volunteers from the American Red Cross of Greater Pa. have been deployed. 

The Red Cross says there are other ways to help following Helene: 

  • Donate Financially: Financial donations are the quickest and fastest way to get help to people who need it. Visit redcross.org or text the word HELENE to 90999 to make a donation to help people affected by Hurricane Helene.
  • Give Blood