Red Cross Volunteers Provide Relief, Recovery
(This article was also published in the 2026 Community Day newspaper.)
When disaster strikes, families often need help in the first hours and days after losing a home, belongings, or even access to medications and basic necessities. Thanks to support from the United Way of Cattaraugus & Allegany Counties, the American Red Cross of Western New York has been able to provide emergency relief and compassionate recovery support to local residents facing some of life’s most difficult moments.
Through separate United Way grants supporting disaster response work in both counties, the Red Cross has assisted dozens of residents impacted by home fires and flooding.
In Cattaraugus County, the Red Cross responded to 11 disaster events, including nine home fires and two floods. Disaster Action Team volunteers helped 44 individuals from 15 households, distributing more than $11,700 in financial assistance to help families begin recovering from devastating losses.
Beyond immediate emergency aid, volunteers continued working with families in the weeks following each disaster to ensure they had safe housing and access to recovery resources. Volunteers also helped connect residents with partner agencies and assisted some families in replacing lost prescription medications and medical equipment.
The Red Cross noted that United Way funding helped provide direct financial assistance and emergency supplies to affected families when they needed it most.
The organization’s impact in Cattaraugus County extends beyond disaster response. During the reporting period, the Red Cross hosted 24 blood drives throughout the county, collecting nearly 600 units of blood. In addition, 295 community members completed CPR and other certification trainings, while 12 local military-related assistance cases were opened through the organization’s Services to the Armed Forces program.
In Allegany County, the Red Cross responded to six disaster events, including four home fires and two floods. Disaster Action Team volunteers assisted 15 individuals from seven households and distributed more than $5,500 in financial assistance.
One family of five received extensive support after losing their home and belongings in a fire. The Red Cross provided comfort kits, food, clothing, dog food, temporary shelter assistance, and additional financial support to help the family secure rental housing. Volunteers also connected the family with other community organizations to support their long-term recovery.
As in Cattaraugus County, Red Cross volunteers in Allegany County provided ongoing follow-up care, referrals, and emotional support for families recovering from disasters.
The Red Cross reports that one of its biggest challenges in rural communities continues to be volunteer recruitment. Disaster Action Team volunteers are often called at all hours to respond to emergencies, and staffing shortages can create strain on existing responders. The organization is continuing efforts to recruit and train additional volunteers while improving onboarding and support for current team members.
The work being done by the American Red Cross demonstrates how United Way donor support helps provide immediate relief, comfort, and hope for neighbors facing unexpected crises across both counties.
