Written by Carmela Burke, Red Cross Volunteer
Based at the Cohasset Community Association center in the town of Cohasset (elev. 2,500 ft.) for almost two weeks, Paul Jessen and his team of American Red Cross caseworkers embody deep compassion for the needs of hundreds of families displaced by the Park Fire. On July 24, 2024, the Park Fire ignited and became the 4th largest wildfire in California, according to CalFire, affecting the counties of Butte, Tehama, Shasta and Plumas. However, the Park Fire is only one of many large and small wildfires in the entire state since July.
Having been a volunteer for only a year so far, the Lincoln, California resident is a casework and disaster action team supervisor with the American Red Cross Gold Country Region which encompasses 26 counties in Northern California. Retired with an ample amount of free time has allowed Paul to become an active and busy volunteer.
A five to eight-hour shift for a caseworker entails looking for effective ways to address challenges facing residents who had to evacuate leaving most of their belongings behind, seeking shelter, then safely returning to their community trying to piece together what remains of their lives and livelihoods. Residents and caseworkers eventually concur on the disaster recovery plan which can include Red Cross assistance and referrals to other organizations.
Reflecting on his volunteer experience, Paul shared, “I found it amazing how much the local community appreciated us being there. How much it gave them serenity and stability. That they had not been left alone. When other organizations packed up, the Red Cross was still there offering help. Even when we were not providing much more assistance, we were thanked for just being there—IN CASE.”
His dedication to volunteering is clear, as he explains, “I am involved in a multitude of different volunteer organizations. Red Cross requires the greatest amount of time but also provides the greatest level of satisfaction and fulfillment.”
Gold Country News and Notes 