He had a thriving business, a wife, a child and another one on the way. Life was good for New Orleans resident, Vance Vaucresson.

That was until Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast on August 29th, 2005. The storm left him and his family with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

He was forced to swallow his pride and figure out how to ask for help to get his family food, shelter, clothes and even health care for his pregnant wife.

He tells his story to Soul of the South’s Vickie Newton in Part 4 of our series, “New Orleans: Nine Years Later, Rebuilding on Higher Ground.”

Vaucresson was just one of 1.4 million families that received emergency financial assistance for food, clothes, baby supplies and other essentials from the American Red Cross after Hurricane Katrina.

Millions more were provided with hot meals, shelter, mental health assistance and clean up supplies…making it the organization’s largest response in its history.

Nearly 245,000 people volunteered through the Red Cross and nearly $2.2 billion dollars was raised just in donations to help people in need.

In the years since Katrina, the Red Cross has improved its ability to respond to disasters by increasing the number of trained volunteers, increased shelter locations and created a “Safe and Well” site to reconnect families during disasters, including through social media.

The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and donations. That’s why Soul of the South has partnered with the Red Cross to bring awareness to its needs.

The Red Cross is no longer accepting donations specifically designated to help those affected by Katrina, but you’re still encouraged to give to the Red Cross disaster relief fund.

To do so, just go here or text the word REDCROSS TO 90999 to make a $10 dollar donation via your cell phone. You can also call 800-RED–CROSS (733-2767).

The Red Cross believes the anniversary of Katrina should be a reminder that the unthinkable can happen and we have to be ready. Don’t wait until the next natural disaster to become a volunteer.

Sign up now to get trained in advance so you’re able to quickly and knowledgeably respond when the time comes.

Be sure to also follow the American Red Cross on Facebook and Twitter.