LOS ANGELES - The moment a wildfire or natural disaster cuts through communities, many residents are left displaced and in need of disaster relief services.

Recently, the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region unveiled its newest S. Mark Taper Regional Headquarters with the Emergency Operations Center in Downtown L.A. The move from the Westside to a more centralized location helped to cut down commutes for long-time volunteers like Joe Green.

“You get the call at three o’ clock in the morning and within two or three hours you are on scene,” Green said.

In those moments, every second counts, Green said. After seeing the 9/11 attacks in New York City, Green began his training with the American Red Cross and has been a volunteer ever since. Dozens of volunteers like Green fill the disaster relief organization’s emergency operations center.

For weeks they have been planning, strategizing and sending resources to help residents in Ridgecrest after the recent earthquakes. 

“Having all these volunteers come here into a centralized location was quicker and easier because people have been here for 12-hour shifts. It’s been long days, long nights and so it’s easier for everyone to come together and work together,” Mairum Mohuiddin with the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region said.

Volunteers like Green have already noticed about a 20-minute difference in their commutes. Green says the new location has cut his commute down by 20 minutes. It’s a feeling of urgency that drives Green to help others as soon as he can.

“I’ve helped a fair number of people. It’s a great feeling being able to make a difference and to put someone back on their road to recovery,” Green said.

That’s why when the next major wildfire or disaster hits, Green and dozens of other volunteers with the organization will be working around the clock to bring comfort and resources to those in need.