GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Volunteers from West Michigan have been delayed as they attempt to get to Houston, which is experiencing “unprecedented” flooding in the wake of Harvey.
A team of seven from the American Red Cross of West Michigan left for Houston Sunday morning. But not all of them made it to their destination — they were stranded because all flights in and out of the Houston airport have been canceled, local Red Cross Executive Director Mike Mitchell told 24 Hour News 8.
Mitchell said he expects to head south Wednesday.
The Red Cross’ first priority will be helping provide basic necessities like shelter and food. Mitchell said anyone who wants to become volunteer could start training soon and may find themselves in Houston.
“Based on the size that this particular disaster is becoming apparent to us, I would say that there is a chance that if a person were to volunteer with us now that they would be able to get the training necessary to possibly go in the second or third wave of deployment because we’re going to be sending people down here for probably months to come,” he said.
If you want to help but can’t respond to disasters, Mitchell suggested giving blood. The storm may cause blood drives in Texas to be called off, so they may need to call for supplies from elsewhere.
The West Michigan chapter of the Red Cross will send caseworkers who will help people one-on-one as they get back on their feet.
Full Story on WOODTV8