By Dana Maze, American Red Cross

On January 22, 2024, storms brought heavy rain and flooding to San Diego County. According to the National Weather Service, the rainfall on January 22 ranked among the wettest days ever recorded in January and the fourth wettest day ever recorded in the City of San Diego. Severe flooding forced many residents in Southeast San Diego to evacuate from their homes. The American Red Cross of San Diego and Imperial Counties worked alongside partners for multiple weeks to provide care to those in need.

In total, 195 Red Cross volunteers provided 1,099 overnight stays for more than 189 residents in four emergency shelters, 3,521 meals and 3,961 snacks, 923 relief items like comfort kits and 785 emergency supplies including clean up kits. Red Cross volunteers also performed 1,008 damage assessments and caseworkers opened 384 cases, serving 1,351 people with recovery support, including financial assistance, replacement of eyeglasses and other medical needs like prescriptions.

This work wouldn’t be possible without our dedicated volunteers who support those in need around the clock.

Phillip Brown, Disaster Spiritual Care Volunteer  

Red Cross Spiritual Care volunteer Phillip Brown helped those affected by the storms with their spiritual needs, regardless of their religion. 

For 15 years, Phillip Brown has served as a pastor, but he never knew he could use his spiritual care knowledge to help people heal after disasters until last October. Phillip deployed to Hawaii with his church for 19 days, distributing meals to people affected and helping families sift through the rubble of their homes following the Lahaina Fires. During his deployment, he worked alongside Red Cross volunteers, witnessing the response and recovery work that teams provided to those affected.  

“It was encouraging to see the camaraderie and how the team worked together to serve others,” Phillip said.  
When Phillip returned home, he completed his training and began supporting people affected by local disasters with the Red Cross Southern California Region. When severe rain and flooding hit San Diego, Phillip jumped into action to help those in need.  
 
“It’s emotional and hard to see people hurting,” Phillip said. “But it’s rewarding for me because I feel like it is a special calling. You have to be called to this spiritual care work and have a discernment of how people need your help. The families and children who have lost everything, you help give them hope and opportunity for a new beginning.” 

Debbie Towers & Patti Fogg, Disaster Health Services Volunteers

Red Cross Disaster Health Services volunteers Debbie Towers and Patti Fogg helped people displaced from the San Diego storms by assessing their health needs and helping replace medications, supplies and equipment that may were lost or destroyed during the flooding.

"It's an honor that we're able to give those displaced a glimmer of hope," said Debbie Towers. Debbie has been a volunteer for six years, but said, "I'm sorry I didn't find volunteering with the Red Cross sooner."

Patti has been a Red Cross volunteer for more than 27 years, but her memories of serving as a Red Cross nurse began well before becoming a volunteer at age 15. After World War II, Patti lived in a diverse neighborhood and all the kids would gather to reenact war scenarios in the cul-de-sac. During these games, 5-year-old Patti assumed the role of a Red Cross nurse. Little did she know that a childhood dream would turn into a reality and service to others would become her lifelong mission.

"It feels great to help people," said Patti. Even though Patti has been volunteering for more than 27 years, her service to others is not over. “Hopefully I’ll be doing it for another 27 years!”

Gerardo Gutierrez, Shelter Worker and Feeding Team Member

Gerardo Gutierrez started volunteering with the Red Cross in September 2023 and said his motivation to serve is best summed up in a Spanish saying, “es Que te Nace,” which translates to being naturally born to assist others.

During the San Diego winter storm response, Gerardo comforted those in need on as a sheltering volunteer, distributed warm meals on the feeding team and shared the work of the Red Cross by participating in media interviews in English and Spanish. For about three weeks, Gerardo volunteered four days a week, completing 12-hour shifts each day.

"I like that everyone here moves with their heart first,” said Gerardo. “We share our talents which are love and compassion," said Gerardo.