On May 2, a fast-moving fire destroyed an apartment building in San Pedro leaving more than a dozen residents homeless and frightened. A Red Cross Disaster Action Team (a group of volunteers who are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week) shortly responded to the incident, providing immediate comfort and temporary hotel housing for the displaced residents.

More than 50 L.A. County firefighters battled the blaze which started in one unit and quickly spread to the entire complex destroying all units. The building was later ‘red-tagged’ and condemned by the City of Los Angeles Housing Department.  Red Cross caseworkers provided displaced residents with financial assistance for food and clothing.

Thanks to the Red Cross Disaster Action Team and Caseworkers – Jimmy Andrioli, Michael Hicks, Paul Freeman, Alma Freeman, Jerry Washington, Alex Rose, Melissa Crews, Linda Wright, Rachel Underwood, Jae Ko, Alta Abbott and Ada Ramirez.

To learn more about becoming an American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles volunteer, please visit www.redcrossla.org/volunteers.