Alicia Gonzalez, a dedicated Red Cross volunteer, embodies the ethos of selflessness and community service with each deployment she undertakes. Amid the recent flood that surrounded Houston, Texas in January 2024, Alicia’s commitment shone brightly. Deployed for five arduous days across several areas including Monroe, Cleveland, Montgomery, and Conroe, she served alongside the Red Cross Disaster Assessment Team and Mass Care. Collaborating closely with The Latino Engagement Group, Alicia’s mission was clear: to ensure the safety and well-being of Latino families grappling with the devastating impact of the floods.
“It is important during time of crisis to have collective action and solidarity to be able to help others,” said Alicia.
In the wake of the relentless downpours that inundated homes and submerged entire neighborhoods, the resilience and compassion of communities emerged as a beacon of hope. Dayton Lake’s very own heroes, Mr. Solice and Mr. Dee, exemplified the spirit of solidarity as they transformed their boats into vessels of rescue and aid. Amidst the chaos and devastation, these super neighbors embarked on a selfless mission, navigating through flooded streets to deliver essential supplies, and drinking water to those stranded in their homes. Their unwavering commitment to helping their fellow neighbors, as Alicia poignantly noted, epitomizes the profound impact of collective effort. With no hesitation, Mr. Solice and Mr. Dee undertook the perilous task of going door to door, extending a lifeline to those in need, embodying the ethos that in times of crisis, unity breeds gratitude.
Alicia’s fluency in Spanish became a lifeline for the Latino community, fostering a sense of connection and empowerment amidst the chaos. Word of aid and assistance swiftly traversed through the community, igniting a sense of hope and unity. Alicia’s role as a Spanish-speaking volunteer and supervisor with the Red Cross served as a catalyst, emboldening even the most reserved individuals to seek the help they needed. This ripple effect of communication not only strengthened community bonds but also paved the way for the arrival of The Latino Engagement Group, amplifying support efforts. Furthermore, Plantation emerged as a vital hub within the community, providing essential supplies and a centralized location for residents to gather resources and initiate the daunting task of cleanup and rebuilding. In this collaborative effort, Alicia’s linguistic proficiency, coupled with the generosity of Plantation, underscored the resilience and solidarity that defined the community’s response to adversity.
Inspired by Alicia’s unwavering courage and honesty, she opened to me, sharing insights that resonate deeply in times of crisis.
“It is important to always show empathy, listen, extend a helping hand and show kindness to those going through their darkest hours,” said Alicia. “When you offer kindness to others it spreads like a ripple affect and encourages others to do the same.”
This was not Alicia’s first deployment. In the short two years that she has been volunteering with the Red Cross she has deployed to Florida to help after hurricane Ian, California and Arkansas after the flooding, Guam after the typhoon and Maui after de devastating fire.
As she looks forward to her future with The Red Cross, Alicia remains committed to her mission. Her resolve to continue traversing from one community to another, providing aid, and her aspiration to join the Damage Assessment (DA) program, speak volumes about her dedication.
In response, I couldn’t help but admire her, likening her journey to “Picking Up Badges of Honor” in the noble pursuit of volunteerism. Through Alicia’s example, we’re reminded of the transformative power of compassion and the profound impact of selfless service on both individuals and communities alike.
The Red Cross, powered by volunteers, is responsible for aiding the recovery process following disasters. Bilingual volunteers are valuable every day in the Texas Gulf Coast Region but especially when disasters strike. Please consider volunteering with the Red Cross and being the hope those need during devastation by going to redcross.org/Texas.
Story By; Nichole Jones
Texas Gulf Coast American Red Cross 