The Canadian Red Cross, one of the organizations that hit the ground running following last year’s devastating floods, released its one year progress report on Tuesday.

The rebuild is ongoing in Calgary and many other areas of Southern Alberta, with tens of millions of dollars of funding already spent.

The floods caused the evacuation of more than 100,000 people and about 14,000 properties were destroyed.

The disaster prompted the largest domestic disaster response in the Canadian Red Cross' history.

On Tuesday morning the organization released details of the work it has done over the last year and says it has helped nearly 70,000 people to date.

“Recovery from a disaster of this magnitude is a long and difficult process and Red Cross remains committed to ensuring people and their communities can face the future with confidence,” said John Byrne, Red Cross director general of disaster management. "Thanks to the support of our generous donors, Red Cross is moving ahead with a range of initiatives to help build communities back stronger.”

Alberta Floods One Year Progress Report Highlights:

  • Almost 70,000 people have received financial assistance from Red Cross for such basic needs as food, clothing, shelter (including rent, mortgage, utility payments), child care, transportation, household goods, medical items, school and occupational supplies.
  • Of $42 million raised for Alberta flood relief, Red Cross has already spent $27.5 million which represents more than 65 per cent of the total raised to date.
  • Red Cross has four areas of focus for Alberta flood recovery: Assistance to individuals and families; Shelter and home clean-up, repair and rehabilitation; Community initiatives; and Community resiliency and disaster preparedness.
  • Red Cross funding will help repair or rebuild the homes of hundreds of families are still living in temporary housing, trailers, hotels or with family and friends.
  • Red Cross is also providing financial support for shelter initiatives such as Calgary’s Flood Permit Grant program, the Medicine Hat Sanitary Sewer Isolation Valve program, and furniture and appliances supplied to temporary and repaired First Nations’ homes.
  • Red Cross community grants are strengthening or repairing local services such as food banks, youth and seniors’ programs, sport and recreational activities, and community centres.
  • Red Cross funding will also be available to struggling small business owners and First Nations artisans restoring flood-damaged cultural regalia which are essential to community ceremonial practices.
  • Red Cross funding is also focused on community resiliency and disaster preparedness projects to ensure people are better able to face future disasters. 

Anyone who is still struggling is encouraged to contact the Red Cross toll-free at 1-866-696-6484.

To read the complete report, click HERE.