The Red Cross says they need more funding as they help those affected by Hurricane Laura and severe wildfires across the state of California, but the coronavirus pandemic is making things difficult.

“People really need help. And they're suffering not only from the disaster, but living through COVID-19,” said Gail McGovern, President and CEO of the Red Cross, said in an interview with Spectrum News.

McGovern is urging Americans to donate either their time as a volunteer, or to help provide financial assistance.

“Hurricane Laura, just as an example is costing us about $20 million. And so far, only 2.1 million has come through the door,” said McGovern.

McGovern says 700,000 homes have been damaged in some way by Hurricane Laura, while 6,000 homes have either been damaged severely or destroyed completely.

This comes as the agency works to provide relief for those displaced by the wildfires in California.

“California really got clobbered with these wildfires. And it seems like every time there's an outbreak, it's the biggest wildfire ever,” said McGovern.

The National Weather Service in Los Angeles issued an Excessive Heat Warning through Labor Day weekend. McGovern says the deadly wildfires in the state have left 3,600 buildings destroyed, and over 4,000 people sheltering in hotels.

The coronavirus outbreak has also changed the way the agency helps those in need. McGovern says they’re following safety protocols such as screening people before they enter a shelter, mandating masks and keeping cots six-feet apart.

“I am so proud of our volunteers because they have raised their hand to respond in the same numbers that they did before COVID-19, which to me is extraordinary,” McGovern said. “I mean, these are humanitarians that see a need and they have to fill it. But having said that, they're getting tired.”