TCH joins others as partner for Red Cross program
The Community House (TCH)/Sanibel Community Association (SCA) announced that it has been named an official Community Adaptation Program (CAP) partner of the American Red Cross.
By partnering with the Red Cross, TCH and its staff are learning how to build and maintain a more resilient community, while also enhancing their ability to provide increased access to community services during and after disasters. It joins fellow CAP partners Community Housing & Resources (CHR) and FISH of Sanibel-Captiva.
“It is an honor to be a part of this impactful program and The Community House looks forward to assisting the island in this way,” TCH Executive Director Emily Ankerson shared.
As part of the partnership, one of the commitments that it has made is to provide a space for the community to gather to receive important information about preparedness and to distribute resources before a storm or disaster happens and after an event, when community members are cleaning or rebuilding. The facility will be offered as a place for respite and to pick up supplies or food, charge cell phones, use the restrooms and enjoy AC, access Wifi, and connect with other community members.
“While we are hoping for no more storms, we feel it is important to have a response plan in place just in case,” she shared. “The Community House, being the main gathering spot for the island, is a natural choice for people to come to and to have its doors open wide to the community in times of need.”
Part of the partnership also includes collaborating with other area CAP partners. TCH reported that FISH, CHR and it will meet soon to brainstorm on additional ways that they can collaborate.
It noted that in addition, the Red Cross offers trainings and workshops for CAP partners, as well as provides supplies and information on obtaining additional resources and funding.
“It was a logical next step to formally pledge our support for the island community in this way,” Ankerson said.
For more information about the American Red Cross’ Community Adaptation Program, visit https://community-adaptation-program-arc-nhq-gis.hub.arcgis.com/.
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