Hurricane recovery costs create financial crisis for Red Cross chapter

Hurricane Matthew is history in the minds of many Grand Strand residents, but hundreds are still trying to recover from the impact of the early October storm. The area chapter of the American Red Cross faces a financial crisis from the costs of bringing in trained volunteers. This week, at least two dozen volunteers from other areas are continuing to assist hurricane victims.

Nanci Conley, executive director of the Eastern Carolina Chapter, spoke with The Sun News Editorial Board about her concerns in raising money – perhaps $350,000 – to pay for operating shelters and lodging, meals and transportation for trained Red Cross volunteers from other areas. Conley has appealed to members of Horry County Council and is asking for help from the public.

The Eastern Carolina Chapter does not have enough trained volunteers to staff shelters and assist storm victims. So volunteers are brought in to help, and “it costs the Red Cross $1,650 to deploy a volunteer for 11 days.” Conley notes that since early October, the chapter has paid for 3,148 nights in hotels, “contributing to the local economy $255,214 plus taxes.”

Of the total nights, 2,869 were in Horry County and 279 in Florence County. The volunteers drive rented vehicles, also paid for by donated dollars, as well as the fuel. For three weeks, more than 80 rented vehicles were in use.

The chapter has distributed 1,127 home cleanup kits (mop, broom, bleach, gloves, face mask, scrub brush), costing $30 for a total expense of $35,370.

Many area residents may not understand that the $255,214 for hotel rooms, restaurant meals and rental cars are paid by area contributions. Many people apparently have the mis-impression that the national American Red Cross, or the federal government through FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), funds these costs. Conley points out that the chapter she leads, and other ARC chapters, are on their own for raising money.

One the biggest bills, $90,000, is from Horry County Schools, for the costs (janitorial services, utilities, supplies) related to 16 shelters. The Red Cross has a contract with HCS, so the $90,000 is what it is.

“It’s the reality of what the Red Cross does every day,” Conley says. “The Red Cross is a network; there’s no trickle down [of money to cover the costs of disasters].”

There is also “no more trickle up” of area contributions going to the national organization. “We no longer get assessments, and 91 cents of every dollar” goes to cover services.

Since July 1,160 Horry County residents’ lives have changed “because they have suffered the devastation of a disaster and are trying to rebuilt their lives” after Hurricane Matthew or a home fire. Since July, 123 residents have had home fires, nearly double the 66 last year at this time, and “1,037 local residents have sought out assistance due to the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew.”

The cost of lodging and meals highlights the critical need for more trained volunteers, but raising additional money over and above the Red Cross chapter’s $1.1 million annual operating budget is the pressing need now.

This story was originally published December 14, 2016 at 5:43 AM with the headline "Hurricane recovery costs create financial crisis for Red Cross chapter."