From PRNewswire/
Facing a relentless disaster season, families in the U.S. have spent more nights in emergency lodging in 2020 than in any other year over the past decade.
More than 1 million times this year, a person relied on the Red Cross for a safe place to sleep after back-to-back hurricanes, record-breaking wildfires and other disasters. That’s more than four times the annual average from 2011 to 2019.
“Families are overwhelmed coping with the greatest number of billion-dollar disasters in a single year — on top of the coronavirus pandemic,” said Gail McGovern, president and CEO of the American Red Cross. “Yet through it all, more people are stepping up to help others by volunteering and giving blood through the Red Cross. Their selfless and kind-hearted actions underscore the unwavering humanitarian spirit of people in our country, and we are incredibly grateful for their willingness to give to others. Our fervent hope is that people will continue to give during this very challenging time.”