The heavy rains that triggered floods and mudslides in eastern Kentucky began in the early hours while many were asleep. One family slept through the night as mud slid down the mountain and engulfed their mobile home. Bridges were washed out, people were trapped, some forced to wait out the high waters on kitchen countertops. The bottoms of houses – most of which were trailer homes already raised above ground on stilts – literally fell out.

With all the destruction, many were left homeless.

Red Cross volunteers and staff from across the nation responded to help, including local caseworkers Dennis Erickson and Kurt Worden. Working in teams, caseworkers met with those people who lost their homes, providing emergency services and referrals to community resources. Within a week, 139 trained Red Cross volunteers had provided 185 people with shelter, distributed more than 15,000 meals and snacks, 23,000 clean-up kits, comfort kits and bulk relief items.

Though challenging at times, Erickson said his experience was eye-awakening but worthwhile. It was also an adventure.