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American Red Cross reintroduces chapter coverage, seeks volunteers and reconfirms local shelter support
Summary
Northern Valleys chapter representatives told council they provide disaster response, free smoke-alarm installations and shelter services across the San Fernando, Santa Clarita and Antelope valleys and asked for updated MOUs and Spanish-language volunteer recruitment.
Representatives of the American Red Cross'Northern Valleys chapter reintroduced their regional disaster-response program and asked the council to strengthen mutual-aid agreements, outreach and Spanish-language volunteer recruitment. "Our workforce consists of 90% volunteers," said Miriam Mandino, the chapter's disaster program manager for the San Fernando Valley, noting the importance of local volunteers for rapid response to home fires and other small-scale disasters. Jason Buckley, the chapter's new executive director for Northern Valleys, said the chapter wants to strengthen partnerships with the city and ensure consistent, culturally competent shelter support.
Why it matters: Red Cross services provide immediate shelter, supplies and casework after home fires and other local disasters; local MOUs and volunteer availability influence response speed and language access for residents.
Key details: Red Cross staff said they will not self-deploy but respond when requested by emergency dispatch or partner agencies; they maintain offices in Sherman Oaks and Palmdale and store emergency supplies, including a cache at Recreation Park under an existing MOU. The chapter requested updated MOUs, asked staff to help recruit Spanish-speaking volunteers and offered to provide free smoke-alarm installations and preparedness workshops. Local council members and staff committed to follow-up to update the MOU and coordinate volunteer recruitment, training and outreach.
Next steps: Red Cross and city staff will coordinate to review and update the MOU, confirm stored-supply inventories and identify volunteer recruitment opportunities (including Spanish-language outreach) so the chapter can ensure rapid, community-centered responses to local emergencies.
