TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) - The Northeast Mississippi Chapter of the American Red Cross provides help to families each week who lose their homes to fire.
Often times, workers respond to three to four fires a week over a multi-county region.
The Red Cross provides emergency food, clothing and lodging if needed.
Rachel Potts with the American Red Cross said, "If we get the call during the actual fire, we try to respond on scene and help the family. If it's later, we'll meet with the client and provide them lodging, food and clothing. We'll talk with them and have a conversation to see how we can help them."
Thursday, assistance was given to the family who lost two young children in a house fire in Calhoun County.
Potts said, "We got the call from the fire chief and I drove to the hospital and met with the family. They were in shock. It's difficult when you have two fatalities. We were able to provide them with food and clothing."
Whether it's a house fire or natural disaster like a hurricane or tornado, Red Cross workers meet more than just the physical needs of victims.
A voucher for food or clothing is important but officials say so is having someone to talk to and answer questions.
Potts said, "You want to do everything for the client. You can't. You can only do a little bit. You have to remember that at least you're making a little bit of a difference in their life right there. Then continue to talk to them and see what assistance we can give them."
It's help in a situation that most families never would have imagined they would need.
The best way the public can help local fire victims and others is with a monetary donation to the American Red Cross Mississippi Region Disaster Relief.
Call their office in Tupelo for ways to give.
