Metro volunteers help Harvey victims; call for Atlanta's help

ATLANTA - Hundreds of people from around the Metro are working to aid victims of storm damage in Texas and Louisiana after Hurricane Harvey hit the coast.

Red Cross volunteers are headed from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to those states all weekend, along with emergency response vehicles.

"They need cots and blankets and pillows and food to operate a shelter. There are basic things they always need," said Betty Matson, who is helping order supplies for the dozens of shelters that have sprung up along the areas affected.

The Red Cross estimates 30,000 people will need a shelter in coming days.

Home Depot also has hundreds of staff members at their Hurricane Command Center, coordinating the transportation and delivery of cleanup and repair supplies. 

"Every disaster is a little different, so the needs may differ... so it's a lot of cleanup goods: it's rigs, trash bags, generators if there's no power," said Peter Capel, vice president of merchandising, who is coordinating the effort.

Crews monitor weather conditions to ensure the safe delivery of supplies, as people return to their homes.

The Atlanta Humane Society has also welcomed dozens of dogs and cats from local shelters in Louisiana, after reaching out to affected states to ask if local animal rescues needed a safe space for the pets.

All animals are currently up for adoption at Humane Society facilities, having arrived from shelters; the Society expects an overwhelming need for aid after rescues return to their areas after the storm subsides, as stray dogs and cats will need to be reunited with their families.

The Red Cross is always seeking volunteers. You can contact the organization online: http://www.redcross.org/hp/harvey2

The Atlanta Humane Society has information about adopting a pet on their website: http://atlantahumane.org/

MORE: Find more ways to help the victims of Hurricane Harvey