The Red Cross is a global humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance, disaster relief, and education in communities worldwide. Here’s an overview of its structure and resources:
WorldWide Help
Key Services and Programs
- Disaster Relief: Emergency shelter, food, and recovery support during natural disasters.
- Health and Safety: First aid training, blood donation drives, and public health initiatives.
- Conflict Support: Protecting and assisting victims of war and conflict zones.
- Community Resilience: Long-term programs to prepare communities for emergencies and promote sustainability.
How to Access Resources
- Local Chapter: Find your country’s Red Cross or Red Crescent Society for local services.
- Website: Visit RedCross.org or your local Red Cross page.
- Hotlines: Most chapters provide hotlines for emergencies and inquiries
Health & Medical Resources:
- HealthCare.gov: Provides information on health insurance options, including Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace for those who need health coverage.
- National Institutes of Health (NIH): Offers resources for health research, health information, and funding for health-related services and initiatives.
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS): Supports healthcare programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
- SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration): Offers support and resources for individuals with mental health or substance use disorders, including crisis services and treatment facilities.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: Provides confidential support for those experiencing domestic violence or intimate partner violence. Contact them at 1-800-799-7233.
Disability Support Resources:
- National Disability Rights Network (NDRN): A federally funded agency providing advocacy and legal services to individuals with disabilities.
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): A law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and provides guidelines for accessible spaces, work environments, and public services.
- Disability.gov: A comprehensive source of information on federal programs, services, and resources for individuals with disabilities.
- Special Olympics: Provides sports programs for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, promoting inclusion and physical fitness.
Mental Health Resources:
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): A leading organization for mental health advocacy and support, providing resources for individuals and families affected by mental illness.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988): A free, confidential 24/7 helpline for those in emotional distress or experiencing thoughts of suicide.
- Crisis Text Line: A free, confidential text service that connects individuals to trained crisis counselors for support. Text HOME to 741741.
Financial Assistance Resources:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Offers food assistance to low-income individuals and families, ensuring access to nutritious meals.
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): Provides financial assistance to families with children to help them meet basic needs.
- Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Helps low-income households with energy costs like heating and cooling bills.
Veterans’ Resources:
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): Offers a wide range of services including healthcare, benefits, and mental health support for veterans.
- National Veterans Foundation: Provides crisis intervention, peer support, and advocacy for veterans and their families.
Senior Support Resources:
- Aging.gov: Offers resources and services for older adults, including financial assistance, long-term care, and community services.
- Eldercare Locator: A nationwide service connecting individuals with local services for older adults, such as caregiving resources, home care, and senior housing.
Homelessness Support Resources:
- National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH): Advocates for policies to prevent and end homelessness while providing resources for individuals experiencing homelessness.
- Homeless Shelters Directory: A resource for finding shelters and services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness across the U.S.
Food & Nutrition Assistance:
- Feeding America: A nationwide network of food banks, offering food assistance to individuals and families in need.
- Meals on Wheels: Delivers nutritious meals to older adults who are homebound or unable to prepare meals independently.
Legal Aid & Advocacy Resources:
- Legal Services Corporation (LSC): Provides legal assistance to low-income individuals in civil matters, including housing, family law, and public benefits.
- American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): Advocates for civil rights and liberties, including legal support for individuals facing discrimination, inequality, and violations of constitutional rights.
- National Women’s Law Center (NWLC): Provides legal support and advocacy for women and girls, focusing on issues like gender equality, reproductive rights, and workplace discrimination.
Child & Family Services:
- National Foster Parent Association (NFPA): Provides support and advocacy for foster parents and children in foster care, including training, resources, and connections to community programs.
- Child Welfare Information Gateway: Offers resources for child protection, including information on adoption, foster care, and child abuse prevention.
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of America: A mentoring organization that connects young people with adult mentors to help them succeed in school and life.
Substance Abuse & Recovery Resources:
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Provides comprehensive resources and research-based information about substance use, treatment options, and recovery.
- Al-Anon & Alateen: Provides support for families and friends of individuals struggling with alcohol addiction.
- Nar-Anon Family Groups: Offers support to families and friends of individuals with drug addiction.
Job & Career Assistance:
- USAJOBS: The U.S. government’s official employment site, providing job listings and information on working for federal agencies.
- CareerOneStop: A source of employment information and resources, offering job search tools, career development, and workforce training programs.
- National Job Corps: Provides free education, vocational training, and job placement assistance for young adults, especially those facing barriers to employment.
Disaster Relief & Emergency Services:
- American Red Cross: Provides disaster relief, including shelter, food, and emotional support for individuals and communities affected by natural disasters.
- FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency): Offers disaster relief funding, housing assistance, and emergency preparedness resources.
- Crisis Response and Recovery: A partnership of national agencies and non-profits that helps individuals affected by disasters, including emotional counseling and recovery programs.
LGBTQ+ Support Resources:
- The Trevor Project: Provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ youth, including a 24/7 helpline.
- Human Rights Campaign (HRC): Advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and offers resources on legal protections, healthcare, and support services.
- PFLAG: Provides support for LGBTQ+ individuals, families, and allies, promoting acceptance and advocacy.
Transportation Assistance:
- National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC): Provides resources and guidance on accessible transportation options for older adults and individuals with disabilities.
- The American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery Program: Offers free rides to and from cancer treatments for patients who need assistance with transportation.
Veterans & Military Families:
- Veterans Crisis Line: A confidential helpline providing support for veterans in crisis or those who are having suicidal thoughts. The number is 1-800-273-8255 (press 1).
- Blue Star Families: Provides support to military families, including resources for employment, education, and transitioning to civilian life.
- Wounded Warrior Project: Offers services and support for veterans who have been injured or disabled during their service, including physical and mental health care.
Immigrant & Refugee Support:
- United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): Provides resources and assistance on immigration processes, including visas, citizenship, and green cards.
- Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC): Offers legal resources and guidance for immigrants and organizations that support immigrant communities.
- Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services (RAICES): Provides legal services, advocacy, and support for refugees and immigrants.
Consumer Protection & Financial Help:
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): Protects consumers from unfair financial practices, providing tools for handling debt, credit, and mortgages.
- National Consumer Law Center (NCLC): Provides advocacy and legal resources for consumers facing issues such as predatory lending, bankruptcy, and credit rights.
- The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC): Offers credit counseling and financial education resources to help individuals manage debt and improve their financial health.
Elder & Caregiver Support Resources:
- Family Caregiver Alliance: Provides support, education, and advocacy for family caregivers of individuals with chronic conditions, disabilities, and aging-related issues.
- Caregiver Action Network: Offers resources for family caregivers, including advice on managing stress, caregiving tasks, and accessing financial assistance.
Community & Social Services:
- 211.org: A free, confidential service available 24/7 to help people find local resources for housing, food, employment, health care, and more.
- United Way: A national organization that supports local communities with a focus on education, financial stability, and health. They also offer disaster relief and volunteer opportunities.
- The Salvation Army: Provides a wide range of services including emergency shelter, food assistance, financial help, addiction recovery programs, and more.
- Catholic Charities USA: Offers support for low-income individuals and families, including housing, food, emergency assistance, and immigration services.
Mental Health & Behavioral Support Resources:
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Provides resources and research on mental health conditions, treatment options, and public education on mental health.
- Mental Health America (MHA): Offers advocacy, services, and resources for mental health, including information on conditions, prevention, and treatment.
- National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA): Provides support and resources for individuals affected by eating disorders, including helplines and treatment information.
- Mental Health First Aid: A training program that teaches individuals how to recognize and respond to signs of mental health crises.
Housing & Homelessness Resources:
- National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC): Works to ensure affordable housing for low-income individuals and families, advocating for policies and providing resources for housing support.
- Shelter Listings: A nationwide directory of homeless shelters and housing services for individuals and families in need.
- Housing and Urban Development (HUD): A government agency that offers resources on affordable housing, housing assistance, homelessness, and community development programs.
Crime Victim Assistance Resources:
- National Center for Victims of Crime: Provides support, resources, and advocacy for victims of crime, including help with legal services, crisis intervention, and emotional support.
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: A confidential helpline for survivors of sexual assault, providing counseling and support. The number is 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
- National Human Trafficking Hotline: Provides resources and support for victims of human trafficking. The hotline number is 1-888-373-7888.
Veterans’ Support Resources:
- National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP): Provides free legal assistance to veterans, ensuring they receive benefits and support from the VA (Veterans Affairs).
- The American Legion: An organization that supports veterans through advocacy, benefits assistance, and community service.
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW): A nonprofit organization that provides support to veterans, including financial assistance, advocacy, and services to combat veterans.
Student & Education Resources:
- U.S. Department of Education: Provides resources on student loans, scholarships, educational support for students with disabilities, and more.
- Federal Student Aid (FSA): The office that helps students and families navigate financial aid options, including federal student loans and scholarships.
- National College Access Network (NCAN): Offers guidance and resources to help students from low-income backgrounds gain access to higher education.
- Teach For America: A nonprofit organization that recruits and trains teachers to work in underserved communities to ensure every child has access to quality education.
Environmental & Sustainability Resources:
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Provides information on environmental regulations, health risks, and resources to support sustainability and community health.
- National Resources Defense Council (NRDC): Focuses on environmental advocacy, promoting clean air, water, and sustainable energy practices.
- The Sierra Club: An environmental organization that works to protect public lands, reduce pollution, and promote sustainable practices.
Technology & Digital Literacy Resources:
- ConnectHomeUSA: A program that helps low-income families access affordable internet and technology to ensure digital inclusion.
- Digital Literacy Project: Provides resources to help individuals develop the skills necessary to navigate technology and use the internet effectively.
- National Cybersecurity Alliance: Offers resources to help individuals stay safe online, including information on protecting privacy and avoiding cyber threats.
Crisis & Emergency Help Resources:
- National Disaster Recovery Center: Provides information and support for individuals and communities recovering from natural disasters, including financial aid and disaster recovery assistance.
- American Red Cross Disaster Services: Offers assistance during and after disasters, including food, shelter, and recovery services.
- National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA): Works with local governments to respond to major disasters and emergency situations, offering resources for preparedness and recovery.
Youth Support & Education Resources:
- Boys & Girls Clubs of America: Provides after-school programs and support to help youth achieve academic success, develop leadership skills, and improve their health and well-being.
- National Youth Employment Coalition (NYEC): Supports programs and policies aimed at creating career pathways and job opportunities for young people.
- YMCA: Offers youth development programs, including after-school care, summer camps, and activities that focus on healthy living, community involvement, and social responsibility.
Civic Engagement & Volunteering Resources:
- Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS): A federal agency that supports national service programs such as AmeriCorps, which mobilizes volunteers to help communities.
- VolunteerMatch: Connects individuals with volunteer opportunities across the country, allowing people to give back to their communities through service.