The CEO of the American Red Cross New Jersey Region is in Louisiana to help with Ida disaster relief efforts.

Rosie Taravella is one of 13 New Jersey Red Cross disaster workers who have deployed to help with relief efforts.   

“The people that are working at the Red Cross who have deployed are really just following where the need is,” says Taravella.

Deployments will continue based on the needs assessed by the disaster relief operation. The other 12 volunteers’ roles include sheltering, feeding, logistics and disaster assessment.  

"There are a lot of people who have hunkered down to stay in their homes, but they don’t have power.," says Taravella. "The heat is now encroaching, and they can’t cool off. It’s folks like that that maybe come out and say maybe I do need to stay in the shelter right now and the shelters are very comfortable for people.” 

The focus currently is on providing safe shelter, meals and comfort for the more than 2,500 people who sought refuge in some 60 Red Cross and community shelters across Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.

“It’s so important to touch the mission,” says Taravella. “Lots of times I’m at my desk and making decisions, and really seeing the people who are helping means the most to me.”