Preparations are underway for the 2016 Republican National Convention, July 18-22 in Cleveland.  The American Red Cross is among several organizations with plans to provide residents and visitors a safe and enjoyable experience.

The Red Cross responds to approximately 66,000 disasters in the United States every year, ranging from home fires that affect a single family, to hurricanes that affect tens of thousands, to earthquakes that impact millions. In these events, the Red Cross provides shelter, food, health and mental health services to help families and entire communities get back on their feet.

During the Republican National Convention, most hotels in Northeast Ohio are expected to be booked solid.  The Red Cross is preparing to respond to any potential need to shelter and feed any residents who may be displaced from their homes,  and is recruiting volunteers to help fulfill its mission.

Preparations are underway to open up to three shelters within a short time frame, in the event that a large number of Northeast Ohio residents is displaced due to home fires or other disasters. Opening and staffing three shelters could require more than 70 trained shelter volunteers around the clock. Currently, there aren’t enough volunteers to meet that need.

If you are interested in supporting our readiness to assist people in need throughout Northeast Ohio, during the convention and beyond, click here to create a Red Cross volunteer profile and begin the application process.

There is also a “Zero to Hero” boot camp planned in June, to teach volunteers the skills necessary for sheltering, health, or mental health responses.  The boot camp will take place from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM Friday, June 24 and all day Saturday, June 25th, at the headquarters of the American Red Cross Northeast Ohio Region, 3747 Euclid Avenue in Cleveland.  To register, contact Luis Rivera, Workforce Engagement Manager, at 216-431-3328, or email NEOvolunteer@redcross.org.