By Deana Mesa , Communication & Marketing Volunteer

The unique relationship that exists between a Red Cross volunteer and a disaster victim is both simple and extraordinary.  Whether it’s serving a hot meal to a shelter resident or providing toiletries to a displaced homeowner, the basic act of caring for a complete stranger during their most vulnerable moments forges an immediate emotional connection.  Purvis Jackson and Adriane Biondo are an example of this Red Cross bond.

On the afternoon of April 26, Purvis Jackson received a frantic call from his daughter.  The rented house that the Jackson’s had lived in for just six months was on fire.  Jackson rushed home to find that an electrical fire had destroyed the back of his one-story home in Carson.  While his daughter managed to escape with no injuries, his home was now uninhabitable.  Purvis, his wife and three children would have to immediately vacate their home.

At the suggestion of a neighbor, Jackson called the Red Cross and within an hour Adriane Biondo, a Disaster Action Team member since 2005, was on the scene.  “Purvis was quite upset.  He was really overwhelmed, and he was not sure what his next steps would be.”

“I was kind of numb when I first saw the damage,” says Jackson.  “I knew the Red Cross helped with major disasters like the recent wildfires we had in California, but I didn’t know on an individual situation like this that they would come out and help.”

With the help of disaster volunteer Biondo, the Red Cross assisted the Jackson family, who had nowhere to go, with temporary housing and financial assistance for food and clothing.

In mid-May, Jackson and Biondo surveyed the damaged house together.  Just over a month ago they were strangers, but today they interact with the ease of old friends.  Biondo understands how one single event can completely change a family’s future.  “I grew up in hurricane alley, and during Hurricane Katrina  I felt very grateful to have been spared when all around me was devastation.”

Today the Jackson family is slowly rebuilding their lives.  They have received financial assistance from the Red Cross and have just moved into an apartment.  Says Jackson, “The Red Cross helped me tremendously.  It could have been much worse, but due to their quick action it wasn’t as bad.”

Photo: Disaster volunteer Adriane Biondo surveys the damage at Purvis Jackson’s home.