Canadian Red Cross continues to support people and communities impacted by 2021 B.C. floods and extreme weather events

Red Cross to assist people through personalized recovery support starting February 1

The Canadian Red Cross is continuing to work closely with all levels of government and community leadership to support the early and long-term recovery needs of people impacted by the flooding and extreme weather events in British Columbia that began on November 14, 2021.

Starting February 1, 2022, the Red Cross will provide financial support to people from eligible households to help cover their interim housing and basic needs while they transition to longer-term housing. This support is in addition to over $17 million already distributed in evacuation-related emergency financial assistance to more than 7,200 eligible households.  

As part of its personalized recovery support from the floods and extreme weather event, the Red Cross will work directly with people to discuss their unique needs and help them navigate their recovery journey and access available supports. This may include support for planning their return home, understanding insurance and community resources, providing financial assistance to access mental health services, as well as providing referrals and information to help people make decisions and inform their next steps.

Homeowners who have been unable to return home and whose homes have been impacted may also receive financial support to help meet their immediate needs, clean up their property, and/or assist with expenses related to housing repair and reconstruction assistance.
  
The Red Cross encourages people who have been impacted by the 2021 B.C. floods and extreme weather events and have questions about Red Cross support to call 1-800-863-6582 from Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. PST or visit www.redcross.ca/2021bcfloods. The Red Cross is also reaching out to people who are currently receiving Emergency Support Services, or those that have identified that they would like to discuss recovery supports. 
 
Thanks to the generosity of Canadians, as of December 26, the Red Cross has raised more than $30 million in donations for the B.C. Floods and Extreme Weather Appeal. This assistance ensures individuals impacted by the disaster are supported in their immediate and longer-term needs as the Red Cross and its partners support them in their recovery journey. The total funds received for the appeal, including the matching contributions provided by the Province of British Columbia and the Government of Canada, will be announced, once determined.
 
“The Canadian Red Cross continues to support communities and households directly in their journey to recovery. During this challenging time, it is important for basic needs to be sustained while support is added to help with clean-up, repair, and reconstruction. The Canadian Red Cross will be here to support individuals, families, and communities in both their immediate and longer-term recovery needs.”  
Additional Resources
@RedCrossCanada | facebook.com/CanadianRedCross | redcross.ca/blog  
Red Cross donor inquiries: WeCare@redcross.ca or 1-800-418-1111
 
About the Canadian Red Cross
Here in Canada and overseas, the Red Cross stands ready to help people before, during and after a disaster. As a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement – which is made up of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and 192 national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies – the Canadian Red Cross is dedicated to helping people and communities in Canada and around the world in times of need and support them in strengthening their resilience.
 
MEDIA CONTACTS
B.C. Media: (604) 709-6747
English National Media: 1-877-599-9602
French Media: 1-888-418-9111