The Red Cross responds to approximately 40 disasters in Marion County every year, ranging from home fires that affect a single family to severe weather or flooding that affects hundreds. In these events, the Red Cross provides shelter, food, health and mental health services to help families and even entire communities get back on their feet. Although the Red Cross is not a government agency, it is an essential part of the response when disaster strikes. We work in partnership with other agencies and organizations that provide services to disaster victims.