Both the American Red Cross of North Carolina and the Billy Graham Rapid Response team are offering support out west during deadly and historic wildfires.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — From the mountains of western North Carolina to the wildfire-ravaged communities of Southern California, Charlotte-based disaster response organizations are conducting simultaneous relief operations on opposite coasts.
The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team and American Red Cross of North Carolina are coordinating efforts to help communities facing drastically different types of disasters. While teams continue cleanup efforts following Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina, additional resources are being deployed to aid California wildfire victims.
“We’re just there to provide emotional, spiritual care during this time of crisis,” Josh Holland, international director of the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team, said.
The organization has deployed more than 20 chaplains to Southern California, where wildfires have left communities devastated. These chaplains work alongside other disaster relief organizations, providing emotional support to both first responders and affected residents.
“It’s a critical need, and it’s something that’s often overlooked,” Holland explained.
Meanwhile, the American Red Cross of North Carolina is managing dual-response efforts, with volunteers split between California wildfire relief and ongoing Hurricane Helene recovery operations.
“Our disaster relief workers have a heart for where that need is, wherever it’s needed the most, and that right now includes people who are in California,” Sharonne Hayes, spokesperson for the American Red Cross of North Carolina, said. “And bear in mind too, when we were going through Hurricane Helene, there were a lot of volunteers from California who came here and assisted us to help us during that disaster as well.”
This reciprocal aid highlights the interconnected nature of disaster response across the country. Both organizations emphasize their commitment to maintaining long-term presence in affected areas.
“We’re always ready activated to support those immediate relief efforts that are happening, but also those longer term relief efforts out of the storms that we’re seeing too,” Hayes added.
The simultaneous response efforts demonstrate how Charlotte-based organizations are making a significant impact on disaster relief nationwide, with both teams committed to maintaining operations in western North Carolina and Southern California for as long as necessary.
