# @americanredcross on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DCSUf5FSCJM
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/72589394-americanredcross-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/20c0e76cf6.jpg
- **Posted:** 2024-11-12T21:22:56.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** American Red Cross (@americanredcross) — https://gondola.cc/americanredcross

## Caption

“I honestly had no idea that the Red Cross shows up to family home fires. It’s truly remarkable.”

Renee and Brian were standing in the pouring rain watching as their home burned when three RedCrossLA volunteers arrived. They provided Renee and Brian with blankets, comfort kits with hygiene items, and financial assistance to secure a place to stay overnight and replace immediately-needed personal items.

“We didn’t even think of a place to stay because we were in shock,” Brian said. “And just like that, the Red Cross gave us support. It’s the little things that went a long way for us. We are so very grateful.”

Renee and Brian safely escaped with their dog, Kirby, when flames erupted unexpectedly in their home. Brian tried to reenter the home at one point to retrieve their wallets, but Kirby wouldn’t let him through.

“Kirby just stood there staring, refusing to budge, and we had to get him out to safety,” Renee said.

Unknowingly, Kirby’s stubbornness saved Brian’s life. Moments after Brian moved Kirby away from the front of the house, it exploded. The home burned in less than an hour despite over 70 firefighters battling to contain it.

In the days that followed, our volunteer caseworkers regularly checked in with Renee and Brian, providing recovery resources, including spiritual care and mental health support. They also connected the couple with the Taiwan Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, a community partner that also supports people affected by disasters. Through this partnership, the couple received food, clothing and other essential home items.

“Red Cross helped us connect to the church across the street from our temporary housing,” Renee said. “They’ve been amazing with the support of good people.”

When the church hosted a Red Cross blood drive, Brian signed up to give blood and show his appreciation for our mission. 🥰

#RedCross #DisasterRelief #DisasterResponse #HomeFire #LosAngeles #RecoverySupport

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 263
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 6

## Tags

disasterresponse, recoverysupport, homefire, losangeles, redcross, disasterrelief

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