Red Cross opens new $1.5M Savannah operations center ahead of hurricane season

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - When a fire tore through the Georgetown Oaks apartment complex last Sunday, destroying more than 20 units and leaving 50 people with nowhere to go, Red Cross volunteer Robert Brown was one of the first to respond.

“Most of the people had nowhere to go, all of them lost everything they had,” Brown said. “And we were able to help them with motel rooms, clothing. They really appreciate. When they look at you and smile, then you know you’ve done something.”

Brown has been volunteering with the Red Cross for 15 years. And on Friday, he and his fellow volunteers got a new home base to work from.

The American Red Cross Southeast Georgia Chapter cut the ribbon on its newly renovated operations center at 2500 E. President St. in Savannah — a nearly 12,000-square-foot facility that consolidates multiple Red Cross locations under one roof for the first time.

The $1.5 million renovation brings together humanitarian services, biomedical services, disaster services and chapter operations in one central, accessible location.

“This is a momentous day for us here at the Southeast Georgia Chapter of Red Cross,” said Maria Center, executive director of the chapter.

The timing is deliberate. With hurricane season approaching, Red Cross officials say the new center will improve the organization’s ability to respond to disasters across Southeast Georgia.

Previously, disaster supplies like cots, blankets and generators had to be sourced from warehouses near Atlanta. Now, a dedicated on-site warehouse keeps those resources stocked and ready to deploy from a loading dock at a moment’s notice.

A mobile trailer carrying up to 100 cots can be on the road almost immediately.

“In previous years, we’ve had to get those supplies from other areas,” said Kelly Crane, senior disaster program manager for the Red Cross Georgia region.

“Having this operations center and being able to have this kind of warehousing space will be able to get us out to the locations with them quicker.”

The warehouse also stores hot meal equipment — including insulated cambers capable of keeping food hot for up to four hours — portable generators and additional emergency supplies. Volunteer groups are already being recruited to help prepare cots and equipment ahead of the season.

Beyond disaster response, Center said the consolidation also reflects the organization’s commitment to responsible stewardship of donor funds.

By reducing overhead costs from maintaining multiple locations, every dollar saved can go directly toward services, like a hot meal for a fire victim or a comfort kit for a veteran.

The Georgetown Oaks fire response last weekend underscored exactly why the new facility matters. Brown and a team of volunteers mobilized quickly, helping displaced residents find temporary housing and clothing in the hours after the blaze.

As Georgia heads into hurricane season, Center encouraged residents to stay informed and be prepared.

“We encourage people to go to RedCross.org,” she said. “There’s preparedness information there. Just be aware when the season starts.”

The Red Cross says 90% of its workforce are volunteers. Those interested in volunteering, organizing a blood drive or making a financial contribution can visit RedCross.org.