American Red Cross helping residents impacted by tropical storm
The American Red Cross is stepping in to help residents, who are still cleaning up after Tropical Storm Hilary swept through the Panorama neighborhood in Cathedral City.
In 100 degree heat and more than a week after the tropical storm, residents on Horizon Road are still dealing with the aftermath.
“Apocalyptic is the best word to say it. No one has ever seen something like this in the desert," said resident Andrew Velasquez. "For people to wake up and realize their homes are gone. You know, that's the hard part.”
Velasquez’s driveway was once full of mud and his green Kia Soul was stuck in it for days.
“The first time we saw the damage was Sunday morning when we got up. And my car was not here and found it down the street," he said.
Now that most of his property is cleaned up, he’s been going across the street he and his neighbors have been providing food, water and other essentials.
“It was the people that live in this community out helping each other. No questions asked. So it's been amazing. And we've just worked our way up the street to help each and every one that we can," Velasquez described.
As others continue to dig out their homes, the American Red Cross wants to help where they can.
Supervisor Peter Kriz came up to the desert from San Diego to help those who need it most.
“You guys up here got the brunt of the storm. And so we're up here to try and help out with you know, whatever we can," Kriz said.
The American Red Cross says if you come by and you need help, they can give you items like trash bags, batteries, tarps and much more. They also have shovels and rakes if you need help.
They’re also providing some financial help for homes with major damage.
“For those who had heavy damage and we defined that as water and mud intrusion in the livable area of the house that's above 18 inches which is above the wall sockets," Kriz explained.
The American Red Cross will be here at the Salvation Army Office in Cathedral City on Thursday from 11am to 6pm.
It is located at 30400 Landau Blvd, Cathedral City, CA 92234.
