Britney Opara wears many hats: she is a Master of Public Administration candidate at Texas Southern University, president and founder of her campus Political Administrative Studies Association, and proud Red Cross volunteer. A Houston native, Britney got her start with the American Red Cross almost one year ago. Since beginning her training, she has worked as a Disaster Cycle Services team member. Disaster Cycle Services is one of the five Red Cross lines of service. This branch of the organization is responsible for helping prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. It responds to everything from natural disasters to residential fires, providing relief for communities in need.
As a Disaster Cycle Services volunteer, Britney has served both as a duty officer and a shelter associate. She has helped open and staff shelters in response to multiple disasters in the Houston area, assisting families in meeting their basic needs and finding long-term housing. Britney was connected to the Red Cross through a Texas Southern University internship program, and what started out as a short-term commitment became a long-term volunteer journey as she realized she had a passion for the Red Cross’s work. “It turned into something that I realized I enjoyed doing,” she said. “It was something that was lifechanging.”
Upon joining, Britney received online training and in-person hands on experience. “There’s always something for you to learn at the Red Cross.” Her training helped her learn about the rigorous work the organization puts into providing safe shelters for those affected by disasters. She studied the ins and outs of food safety, inspections, and ADA compliance, but she also learned the importance of being personable.
Red Cross volunteers are often the first people that someone who has just suffered a tragedy meets. They are not only there to do a job, but to be a warm, stable presence for those in need. Beyond fulfilling basic material needs, as shelter associate, Britney shared how she became close to the families she worked with, providing a much- needed human connection for people experiencing a difficult time. “It takes a lot of intentionality to be a shelter associate.” Britney encourages others to volunteer with the Red Cross as well. “Help is always needed…Don’t miss out on that opportunity.” In fact, she has helped recruit student volunteers at Texas Southern through the Political Administrative Studies Association. When asked about the importance of the American Red Cross’s work, she shared: “I see the Red Cross as an organization that abides by what they say… The mission statement is to alleviate suffering and that’s exactly what they do…Just knowing that you’re able to be a part of that brings peace.”
To learn more about the Red Cross and how you can volunteer, visit redcross.org.
Texas Gulf Coast American Red Cross 