When a disaster happens, Carmen Piasecki feels called to make a difference. She has traveled to states like Texas, Hawaii, and most recently, Alaska to help people experiencing some of life’s toughest moments.
“The assistance you give can be lifechanging,” said Carmen. “I’ve seen that in various disasters.”
In October, remnants of Typhoon Halong devastated coastal villages in western Alaska and forced more than 2,000 people to evacuate to safe shelter hundreds of miles away in Anchorage. Carmen was there, ready to help.
“In the shelter, all of the folks in there were evacuees… flown into Anchorage,” said Carmen.
During her deployment, Carmen served as a Shelter Resident Transition (SRT) Supervisor. Her team was focused on identifying the needs of those staying at shelters and helping them transition into long-term living solutions.
“A lot of times during a disaster, you’re not in the mindset to be thinking about what’s your next step. So, we’re like guides to sit with someone and say, ‘Let’s think about what you can do and what resources are available to you,” said Carmen.
Carmen joined the Red Cross about eight years ago, after her husband passed away. She says she saw images of the destruction of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico and wanted to help.
“I like the mission, it’s very pure,” said Carmen.
As a Red Crosser, Carmen says the people you serve alongside and the people you help can leave a lasting impact. In Alaska, she remembers the community created at the Red Cross shelter. As individuals and families secured other accommodations, the shelter closed, but many were sad to say goodbye. To capture the moment, one family requested to keep the clock that hung on the wall and invited each Red Crosser to sign their name as a reminder of the time spent together.
“It shows that one moment in time,” said Carmen. “They didn’t want to leave the shelter because they felt like it was family, and they were so grateful to the Red Cross.”
If you’re interested in becoming a Red Cross volunteer and helping individuals and families affected by disaster, please visit redcross.org/volunteer to learn more and apply.
Written by Regional Communications Manager Janie Bohlmann.