But patients going in for surgery at two hospitals in Corpus Christi, Texas receive a pleasant surprise in the form of Red Cross volunteers. People Aged 16 to 60 Red Cross assistance often means more than disaster relief or blood banks. Today's American Red Cross is reaching out to communities with programs specifically designed to help those who need it most. In Rochester, NY, that help is found in adult and youth vocational programs. The Lower Bucks County Chapter of the American Red Cross Homeless Shelter program provides three meals a day, a cot, pillow, linens, shower facilities, personal hygiene supplies and intensive case management services free of charge to single men and single women as well as homeless parents and their children.
All residents are at or below the federal poverty guidelines.
During the 1970's, it became evident that a service was needed in Sangamon Valley to assist elderly and disabled people living alone who were unable to prepare hot, nutritious meals for themselves. The Senior Citizens Commission turned to the American Red Cross to initiate this service. Red Cross Senior Lunch Sites offer warm and healthful food and a welcoming environment for friends to socialize. Lunch sites also offer wellness programs such as blood pressure or diabetes screenings. The American Red Cross Responds to Homelessness in the 21st Century Charlene Hardy looks forward to the day when she will finally know what it feels like to put a key in the door to her very own apartment.