28 Minnesotans in Texas for Red Cross' hurricane aid

More than 100 Red Cross volunteers from across the region are helping with Hurricane Harvey relief efforts along the gulf coast, where several feet of rain have caused historic floods.

David Schoeneck, one of 28 Red Cross volunteers from Minnesota in Texas, said the organization's assistance for Hurricane Harvey victims includes dry clothes, food and moral support.

"We offer help and we offer hope," he said.

Officials estimated Harvey may force some 30,000 people to live in shelters.

In addition to the Minnesota volunteers, more than 50 people from Wisconsin, about 30 Iowans and 19 people from North and South Dakota have traveled south to assist the recovery effort. The Red Cross said the best help the public can provide is with a financial contribution to the organizations helping hurricane victims.

Schoeneck is working at the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston.

"Many rescues are being done down here by pickup trucks and by dump trucks," said Schoeneck. "Literally dump trucks running up and down a street and people climbing aboard because they're so high off the ground that they're able to maneuver a little bit better in the deep waters."

The Red Cross in Fargo is sponsoring training classes for anyone who wants to volunteer in the hurricane relief effort.

In Wisconsin, blood donation collections are also being organized to help Texas hospitals deal with the emergency.

To hear Schoeneck's full interview with All Things Considered host Tom Crann, use the audio player above.