Desmond George, resident of Beamer Place Apartments, grateful for Red Cross

The recent tornado caused widespread damage in the Houston area. One local resident, while now safe, is grateful for what the American Red Cross does during disasters. 

Tuesday began as normal with Desmond George at work as a substitute teacher for Pasadena Independent schools. However, it didn’t stay a normal day. In the tornado’s wake, George’s apartment complex, Beamer Place, was severely damaged and uninhabitable. For the safety of tenants, Beamer Place management evacuated the entire building. George found himself in need of a place to stay and the Houston Red Cross was there to help.

“There was so much damage at my apartments, the entire complex was evacuated, and I didn’t have anywhere to go,” George shared. “When I asked management what to do, they directed me to the Baker Ripley Red Cross shelter. Without what the Red Cross does, I would have been out on the streets.”

George considers himself lucky that his first-floor apartment did not sustain damage but when he couldn’t return, he was more than grateful for the Red Cross and the food, shelter and safety provided.

“Being there when people need us is what the Red Cross does,” said George. “However, it does take an army and we’re so grateful to those in the Houston area and across the country who make it possible to help people like Mr. George.”

Red Cross continues to assist those affected by last week’s storms. For more information on how you can volunteer in your local community, go to redcross.org/volunteer. To donate to help those in need, go to redcross.org/Texas. 

Story by Nicole Jones