The Red Cross provides disaster relief, blood services, health training, and support for military families, but the specific programs available to you depend on your location and situation

The American Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that operates in all 50 states through local chapters. It does not provide direct cash information or housing, but it does offer emergency shelter after disasters, food and supplies during crises, blood donation services, first aid and CPR training, and support programs for active-duty military members and veterans. What you can actually access depends on which Red Cross chapter serves your area and what kind of help you need right now.

The Red Cross is separate from government agencies. It does not run federal benefit programs, and you cannot file taxes or government paperwork through it. But if you are facing a specific emergency — a house fire, a hurricane, a medical crisis while traveling — the Red Cross may have a direct response. The fastest way to find out is to contact your local chapter by name rather than calling a national number.

Key Takeaways

  • The Red Cross operates through local chapters in every state, and the programs each chapter offers vary by location and funding.
  • After a disaster like a fire or flood, the Red Cross can provide emergency shelter, food, and basic supplies within hours, but you must contact your local chapter directly.
  • The Red Cross collects blood donations and trains people in first aid, CPR, and water safety through classes you register for locally.
  • Military families and veterans can access counseling, financial information, and emergency communication services through the Red Cross's Armed Forces Emergency Services.
  • The Red Cross does not provide ongoing rent information, food stamps, or other recurring benefits — it focuses on when ready crisis response.

How to find your local Red Cross chapter

The Red Cross website has a chapter locator tool where you enter your zip code and get the contact information for the chapter that serves your area. Each chapter has its own phone number, address, and hours. Calling directly is faster than searching online because the person who answers knows what programs are currently running in your community and whether they are accepting new people.

Some chapters are larger and offer more services; others are smaller and focus on one or two core programs. A chapter in a rural area may primarily handle blood drives and disaster response, while a chapter in a city might also run youth programs, health clinics, or job training. The locator tool will tell you the chapter's phone number — use that number, not a national hotline, because local staff know your situation.

Emergency shelter and disaster relief

If your home becomes uninhabitable due to fire, flood, storm, or another disaster, the Red Cross can open a shelter in your community within hours. The shelter provides a safe place to sleep, meals, and basic supplies like toiletries and clothing. The Red Cross also helps you file for disaster information through FEMA if a federal disaster declaration has been issued for your area.

You do not need to pre-register for shelter. When a disaster happens, the Red Cross activates shelters at schools, churches, or community centers and announces them through local news and emergency management. If you are displaced, you can go to a shelter or call your local chapter to find out where shelters are open. The Red Cross also provides financial information for when ready needs like temporary housing, food, and replacement of essential items, though the amount and availability depend on the disaster and available funding.

Blood donation and health services

The Red Cross collects blood donations at fixed donation centers and mobile drives held at workplaces, schools, and community centers. You can find upcoming drives and schedule an appointment through the Red Cross website by entering your zip code. Donors must be at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in generally good health. The Red Cross screens all blood for safety before it goes to hospitals.

The Red Cross also offers first aid, CPR, and lifeguard training through classes you register for locally. These classes are taught by certified instructors and result in credentials recognized by employers and schools. Class schedules, locations, and fees vary by chapter. Some chapters offer classes online or in-person; others may have waiting lists during busy seasons.

Support for military families and veterans

The Red Cross's Armed Forces Emergency Services program helps active-duty military members, veterans, and their families. Services include emergency financial information for unexpected hardships, help communicating with deployed family members, counseling referrals, and information about military benefits and resources. You do not have to be low-income to use these services — they are available to anyone with military connection.

To access these services, contact your local Red Cross chapter and ask for Armed Forces Emergency Services, or call the Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services hotline. If you are on active duty or stationed at a military base, your installation may have a Red Cross office on-site. Veterans can also reach out to the Red Cross to learn about other veteran-specific programs and benefits they may not know about.

What the Red Cross does not provide

The Red Cross does not provide ongoing rent information, food stamps, utility bill payments, or other recurring benefits. It does not process government applications or determine may be able to access for government programs. It does not provide medical care, mental health treatment, or substance abuse treatment, though it can refer you to organizations that do. If you need these services, you will need to contact your local government agency, social services department, or a different nonprofit that specializes in that area.

The Red Cross also does not provide job training, housing placement, or legal services as core programs, though some chapters may partner with other organizations to offer these services. Always ask your local chapter what is available in your area, because partnerships and programs change.

How to donate to the Red Cross

If you want to support the Red Cross's work, you can donate money online through the Red Cross website, by phone, or by mail. You can also donate blood, which is a direct way to help people in medical emergencies. Some people volunteer with their local chapter, helping with disaster response, blood drives, or community programs. Volunteering does not require prior experience — the Red Cross trains volunteers.

Donations to the Red Cross are tax-deductible because it is a nonprofit organization. If you donate, keep your receipt or donation confirmation for your tax records. The Red Cross publishes annual reports showing how donations are spent, which you can find on its website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my house burns down?

Call 911 first for emergency response. Once you are safe, contact your local Red Cross chapter or go to a Red Cross shelter if one has been opened in your area. The Red Cross can provide when ready shelter, food, and supplies, and can help you file for disaster information and connect with longer-term recovery resources.

Can I donate blood if I take medications?

Most medications do not disqualify you from donating blood. When you arrive at a donation center, you will fill out a health history form and speak with a Red Cross staff member who will review your medications and medical history. They will tell you whether you can donate that day. If you are unsure, call your local blood donation center before you go.

How much does Red Cross first aid or CPR training cost?

Costs vary by chapter and class type. Most chapters charge between $50 and $150 for a standard CPR or first aid class, though some offer discounts for students, seniors, or groups. Check your local chapter's website or call for current pricing and class schedules in your area.

Is the Red Cross the same as the government?

No. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization chartered by Congress, but it is not a government agency. It does not run federal programs or determine may be able to access for government benefits. It works alongside government agencies during disasters but operates independently.

What if I need help but it is not a disaster?

Call your local Red Cross chapter and describe your situation. If the Red Cross cannot help directly, staff can often refer you to local nonprofits, government agencies, or community organizations that handle the specific kind of help you need. The chapter serves as a connection point even when the Red Cross itself is not the right fit.