This great Document was posted this morning. - JB
HURRICANE KATRINA INFORMATION
LOCAL RESOURCES (San Antonio area)
DISTRIBUTION OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
FEMA DEBIT CARDS:
FEMA has begun the distribution of debit cards at the Kelly USA shelters today, 9/9/05. They will continue the distribution at the rest of the shelters in San Antonio over the next few days. Only shelter evacuees are eligible at this time. Households will be receiving expedited assistance of $2000 per household. Persons receiving the debit cards are encouraged to keep their cards, even though they have a $0 balance, as they may be eligible for additional long term assistance. Non-sheltered evacuees will not be issued debit cards at the shelters, so do not send them there.
Non-Sheltered Evacuees wishing to apply for FEMA assistance should call 1-800-621-FEMA to register. The evacuee will need to have a bank account, and FEMA will deposit their funds into it.
Debit cards will be issued with a Personal ID Number (PIN). Within 24 hours after card is issued, FEMA assistance is awarded. Only one debit card will be issued per household.
Once they have a debit card, they:
· should keep it and the PIN # secure
· may use the card at ATMs and with vendors who accept MasterCard
· may use it for emergency purchases, such as disaster related supplies, food, clothing and lodging
· should not throw the card away after the balance is 0. FEMA will use the card for any additional assistance the applicant may be eligible to receive.
THE AMERICAN RED CROSS BENEFIT CARDS:
The American Red Cross is distributing benefit cards to persons from Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama or Georgia’s disaster areas. A toll-free number has been set up to provide financial resources and referrals: 1-800-975-7585. The Red Cross is providing emergency financial assistance based on family size, for those who lived in Zip Codes hardest hit by hurricane Katrina.
CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES: are available to individuals/families who are evacuees of Hurricane Katrina and who wish to remain in San Antonio. The City of San Antonio, SAHA, Family Service Association, and Catholic Charities will provide case management services to both sheltered and non-sheltered evacuees including assistance in locating housing, employment, furniture, household items, etc. Case management services begin at Kelly USA, Bldg. 171 this week (week of Sept. 12th).
ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FOR RELOCATED EVACUEES WHO HAVE FOUND HOUSING and are enrolled in San Antonio: The Methodist Children’s Home has resources available for families who are transitioning into our community. Call 733-3904 for more information.
IDENTIFICATION CARDS: The Texas Department of Public Safety at 6502 S. New Braunfels is issuing Texas ID cards to evacuees from Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.
SHELTER INFORMATION:
Evacuees who have not processed at Kelly USA: must call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 to register. This includes all evacuees who are staying in San Antonio, but not at a shelter.
Directions to Kelly USA Emergency Shelter:
US 90, exit Gen Hudnell, Gen. Hudnell to 2nd Traffic Light (Cricket), Left on Cricket to SAPD Check Point, Park in Lot left of SAPD Check Point, Sign-in at Red Tent
SPECIAL NEEDS SHELTER: Four special needs shelters have been opened in San Antonio. All intake of evacuees with special needs will be at Kelly USA Emergency Shelter.
Persons with Disabilities: San Antonio Independent Living Services has begun an Emergency Assistance Project for helping persons with disabilities who are victims of Hurricane Katrina. Please call SAILS at 281-1878.
TRANSPORTATION – Catholic Charities will arrange for transportation by air, bus or train for those evacuees wishing to leave San Antonio. Catholic Charities is manning a desk at Kelly USA Bldg. 171.
FOOD STAMPS:
Most of the shelters in San Antonio have HHSC/Food Stamp eligibility offices open. If a caller is not presently in one of the shelters, the San Antonio Food Bank Outreach program can help them to apply for food stamps. The Food Bank phone number is 210-337-3663.
For Louisiana evacuees not already receiving food stamps or WIC, they can go to Any Office of Eligibility Services (TDHS) in Texas and apply for expedited benefits. Their benefit will be expedited regardless of previous receipt of benefits in another state, and regardless of eligibility factors. To locate nearest Office of Eligibility Service visit http://www.txstars.net/.
For Louisiana evacuees already receiving food stamps/WIC, the State of Louisiana has authorized the use of their food stamp card/WIC in Texas starting September 1, 2005. If they do not have their food stamp card, they will need to get a replacement card from any local Office of Eligibility Services (TDHS).
To get a replacement WIC card, call 1-800-942-3678 for the nearest office.
HOUSING RESOURCES
The San Antonio Housing Authority is assisting families displaced by Hurricane Katrina. If a family or individual was receiving federal housing assistance at the time of the hurricane, contact the Emergency Response Hotline at 477-6789. For those persons outside of San Antonio, there is a website to help locate the nearest housing authority: www.txtha.com/directory.html.
The Children’s Shelter of San Antonio is ready to provide foster care placement for children whose parent(s) are unable to care for them temporarily (i.e., parent require hospitalization, etc.) Contact the Children’s Shelter at 212-2500.
Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, allows you to find local apartments that are available by city and county for leasing. Their website URL is http://tdhca.state.tx.us/ . Their toll-free number is 1-800-462-4251.
The San Antonio Board of Realtors is helping landlords with available properties link up with evacuees needing shelter by supplying a link on its website: http://www.sabor.com/.
HurricaneHousing.org (a project of MoveOn.org) is a website to match Hurricane Katrina evacuees needing housing with persons who have free housing to offer.
HurricaneHousing.net – In an effort to help those that lost their homes due to Hurricane Katrina find temporary housing, this website has been developed for those wishing to post available housing or rental property for hurricane evacuees. To provide a listing of an available property, please read the instructions under “List a Rental Property.”
H.U.D. Call Center, 1-888-297-8685 assists victims with all housing concerns to include FHA insured-mortgages, Section 8, multi-family housing, lender information and public housing. Hours of operation are 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. seven days a week.
FOR THOSE OFFERING PRIVATE HOMES:
The San Antonio Housing Authority is helping families displaced by Hurricane Katrina by matching them with persons who have housing to offer in the San Antonio area. Register online at www.saha.org.
DONATIONS:
Catholic Charities is accepting donations of personal and feminine hygiene products, toiletries, disposable diapers, baby formula, Ensure, non-perishable food and monetary donations. Donations can be dropped off at 202 W. French or 2903 W. Salinas between the hours of 8:00 – 4:30 weekdays or by calling 222-1294.
Salvation Army – needs the following items: maternity clothes, infant/baby clothes, new underwear (all sizes), liquid body wash, flip flops/shoes (all sizes), disinfectant wipes, baby formula, ensure, hair and skin care products for African Americans, duffle bags/small luggage carriers with wheels, blankets, pillows, towels, washcloths, and feminine hygiene products. (Call 352-2000). *The Salvation Army is no longer accepting donations of clothing. All other donations can be dropped of at the Salvation Army Warehouse at Kelly USA, 809 Davy Crockett, Door 11 (use 36th street entrance off Hwy. 90). Hours of operation are 8:00 – 8:00 daily.
Red Cross – cash donations (Call 224-5151) or on-line at http://www.redcross.org/
Tri-Point/San Antonio Disaster Resource Center (sponsored by the Texas Baptist Men) is accepting donations of the following items: personal and feminine products, disposable diapers, toiletries, baby formula, and Ensure. Their warehouse is located at the corner of 281 and Mulberry (old Albertson’s). Hours of operation are 7:30 – 6:00 weekdays; 9:00 – 6:00 Saturday and 12:00 – 6:00 on Sunday. Note: no clothing donations are being accepted.
The San Antonio Housing Authority is planning to assist approximately 500 families with housing. They are in dire need of the following donations: furniture, household items, baby strollers and car seats. Donations can be dropped off at 400 Labor Street between 8:00 – 5:00 weekdays, or by calling 477-6484.
San Antonio Food Bank – cash donations, paper goods, cleaning supplies, diapers, baby bottles, baby wipes, baby food, pacifiers, hygiene products, healthy snacks, bottled water and non-perishable food items. (Call 337-3663 or on-line at http://www.safoodbank.org/) or take to collection locations:
Food Bank Drop-off Sites:
IHOP Locations:
2777 N. Hwy 123 Bypass, Seguin , TX
1500 S.W. Loop 410
11613 Bandera Rd.
8107 Agora Parkway
2634 S.W. Military Dr.
12780 IH 10 West .
4818 Walzem Rd.
1540 N.E. Loop 1604 E
5920 Bandera Rd.
3820 Broadway (regular mall hours)
9210 Wurzbach
739 Hotwells
1227 N.E. Loop 410
All National Furniture locations:
14068 Nacogdoches
18450 Blanco Rd.
6727 N.W. Loop 410
8680 Fourwinds Dr.
2545 S.W. Military Dr.
Sam Ash Music
25 N.E. Loop 410 at McCullough
Loves Antique Mall
l200 Main, Bandera Tx
Christian Assistance Ministry is collecting monetary donations, food, personal hygiene items, household essentials as well as donations of clothing for men, women and children. Donations can be dropped off between 9:00 – 3:00 weekdays at 110 McCullouth.
United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County is accepting donations to go directly to local disaster relief efforts. If you would like to make a donation, make your check out to: United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, Code No. 908. Please send your check to: United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, P.O. Box 898, San Antonio, Texas 78293-0898. Your donation will go directly to local disaster relief efforts.
The San Antonio Hurricane Relief Fund is accepting monetary donations in care of the San Antonio Area Foundation, 110 Broadway, Suite 230, San Antonio, 78205 or online at http://www.saafdn.org/.
WAL-MART - Beginning Saturday, September 03, 2005, the 15 San Antonio area Wal-Mart stores will begin taking donations to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina. You can drop of cash, clothes, diapers, formula, personal hygiene items at any Wal-Mart location. Donations will be taken to the Kelly USA shelter daily.
SAN ANTONIO BLOOD & TISSUE CENTER - The city is short on blood types AB positive and AB negative. Donations can be made at 6211 IH 10 west, 731-5555.
BOGUS CHARITIES AND SCAMS: The Texas Attorney General is warning everyone to look out for bogus charities and other scams. Some suspicious websites have already surfaced: KatrinaHelp.com, KatrinaCleanup.com and KatrinaRelief.com. If you want to report a suspicious charity, call the Texas Attorney General’s office at 1-800-252-8011.
TO VOLUNTEER (locally in the San Antonio area): Callers interested in volunteering are encouraged to register on-line at http://www.unitedwaysatx.org/, click on “Volunteer Form.” If you do not have internet access, please call the 2-1-1/United Way Help Line at 2-1-1 or 227-4357.
TO VOLUNTEER OR DONATE (within Texas): One Star Foundation, www.onestarfoundation.org provides clearinghouse services for persons and entities which desire to provide and who need to receive volunteer services, supplies and accommodations to the evacuees from Hurricane Katrina.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES: Communities in Schools is providing free school supplies and backpacks to evacuees who are registering in any local school. Please call 520-8440, ext. 225 for more information.
VETERANS: Audie Murphy VA Hospital has set up help desks at each of the four shelter locations to coordinate medical care and benefits administration for veterans affected by the hurricane. The hours are from 7:30 – 5:00. Displaced veterans not staying at the local shelters can call 210-617-5300.
U.S. POSTAL SERVICE is asking that those affected by the hurricane fill out change of address forms so they may begin to receive their mail at their current addresses. Special zip codes have been assigned to the evacuation sites: Kelly USA, 78262; Levi Strauss, 78241; Windsor Park Mall, 78286. Customers can also do so online at http://www.usps.com/ or by calling 800-275-8777. Changes will take place within 24 hours.
CONSUMER CREDIT COUNSELING is reaching out to Survivors of Katrina by offering certified credit and housing counseling. They can help: contact creditors, mortgage, and insurance companies; set a budget; and obtain a credit report to help rebuild financial records. Call 979-4300 or 1-800-410-2227.
VACCINATION RECORDS CALL CENTER FOR KATRINA EVACUEES: 1-800-252-9152
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has opened a temporary call center to assist school personnel, physicians and parents in getting copies of immunization records for children who came to Texas from Alabama, Mississippi or Louisiana because of Hurricane Katrina. Hours of operation are 7:00 – 7:00 weekdays. Persons may request records online at http://www.immunizetexas.com/.
Rx ASSISTANCE: Currently people with medical needs should be processed through a Red
Cross shelter. The nurse at the shelter will process. Walgreens, Wal-Mart, CVS will honor prescriptions if they provide the following information: must provide old bottle; prescription number or new prescription; must provide previous address. FREE prescriptions for 30 days for life sustaining medication only.
MEDICAL RESOURCES:
CentroMed (El Centro del Barrio) will provide health care for evacuees at the following sites:
South Park Medical Clinic, 6315 S. Zarzamora St., San Antonio, TX 78211……924-9254
Hours: 8:00 – 7:00 Mon – Thur; 8:00 – 5:00 Fri; 9:00 – noon Sat
South Park Dental Clinic, 910 Wagner, San Antonio, Texas 78211………………924-7344
8:00 – 7:00 Mon – Thur; 8:00 – 5:00 Fri; 8:00 – 1:00 Sat
Southside Medical Clinic, 910 S.W. Military Dr., San Antonio, TX 78221………...923-4646
8:00 – 10:00 weekdays
Walzem Clinic, 5253 Walzem Rd., San Antonio, TX 78218………………………..651-105
8:00 – 5:00 Friday; 9:00 – 1:00 Saturday
Santa Rosa Clinic, 333 N. Santa Rosa St., Suite 4671, San Antonio, TX 78207…738-8222
8:00 – 5:00 weekdays; 8:00 – 6:00 Wed
WIC Ascot Center, 123 Ascot, San Antonio, TX 78224……………………………...924-6004
8:00 – 7:00 weekdays; 8:00 – 5:00 Friday
AIDS/HIV: Evacuees who are HIV positive and who are in the San Antonio area can contact:
San Antonio AIDS Foundation at 225-4715 for hot meals and medical referrals to physicians and medication assistance. Location: 818 E. Grayson, San Antonio, 78208.
Alamo Area Resource Center, 358-9995, is welcoming new clients from the storm damaged area. Location: 527 N. Leona, 3rd Floor (University Health Center Downtown building)
EMPLOYMENT:
Please refer any callers (including Hurricane Katrina evacuees) looking for
employment (temporary or permanent) to any of the Alamo Workforce Career Centers. They can either go in person or online at http://www.workintexas.com/ to search for employment.
For employers who want to hire Hurricane Katrina volunteers in San Antonio, please refer them to the Alamo WorkSource Employer Line at 210-224-4357. Employers can also fax the information to (210) 582-1899.
UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS: Individuals may be eligible for unemployment benefits through FEMA. Call 1-800-939-6631 for more information.
The San Antonio Public Library is offering computer services to evacuees for e-mail, contacting family and accessing forms. Call the central library at 207-2500 for more information.
LOCAL PET RESOURES:
The San Antonio Humane Society will provide foster care for pets of evacuees. They are also in need of volunteers and donations of cash and pet food. Call 226-7461, ext. 121.
The Bexar County Humane Society has more than 80 dogs and cats that were displaced by Hurricane Katrina. The animals of different breeds and sizes will be vaccinated, microchiped, spayed or neutered for about $25. The Shelter will be open until 7:00 p.m. from Tuesday through Sunday.
STATE RESOURCES:
2-1-1 Texas has implemented a toll-free number due to uncertainty of cell phone access. The official Hurricane Evacuation number is 1-888-312-4567.
UNACCOMPANIED CHILDREN: State Child Protective Services (CPS) now has custody of all the unaccompanied children that have arrived in the city among the mass evacuees. Contact
number (800) 252-5400, ext. 1460.
MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES:
The Center for Health Care Services in San Antonio is available to persons with mental health crisis. Their toll-free number is 1-800-316-9241.
The Texas Department of State Health Services has created a special hotline to accept callers who have mental health or substance abuse issues. The hotline is being answered 24-hours a day by specially trained volunteers. 1-800-252-8154
The National Department of Health and Human Services announced a toll-free hotline for people in crisis in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. By dialing 1-800-273-8255 callers will receive counseling from trained staff at the closest certified crisis center in the network.
EDUCATION: To register for school/school supplies call toll-free, 1-800-957-5109 from 8:00 – 6:00 p.m. or online at http://www.tea.state.tx.us/. Any child whose family has temporarily relocated to Texas because of the hurricane will generally meet the definition of “homeless” under the federal McKinney-Vento Act. This federal law entitles them to enroll in the school district in which they are physically present without having to document residency in the district.
VETERANS:
Veterans evacuated from Louisiana and in need of assistance may call 1-800-507-4571.
Veterans who are part of the American Legion: 1-800-433-3318 or www.legion.org
Apply by phone or online. Veterans who are evacuee Legionnaires (members of the American Legion) can apply to receive up to $1500 to cover costs of food, shelter and clothing needed. A cash grant will be immediately placed in the member’s credit card account upon approval. For Legionnaires without a credit card, funds can be transferred directly to a hotel/motel to cover the cost of lodging.
DIALYSIS - hurricane evacuees who need dialysis call 972-503-3215.
PRICE GOUGING - Our office has received information from an outside source that there have been reports of local price gouging from hotels for some Katrina evacuees. Phone: 800-252-8011, or web site www.oag.state.tx.us (consumer protection area).
Houston main numbers:
American Red Cross in Houston (713) 526-8300
Salvation Army in Houston (713) 752-0677
Dallas County Health and Human Services (214) 819-6001
PET INFORMATION
Dr. Foskey Veterinary Clinic
14 Lexington Dr.
Orange, TX
Phone: (409) 988-0600; Is accepting dogs and cats at $12 – 20 fee
Humane Society in Beaumont
Phone: (409) 833-0504; Is accepting pets and placing in volunteer residential homes.
Orange City Animal Shelter
806 Simmons
Orange, TX
Phone: (409) 883-1056
Is accepting pets at no cost for people staying in Orange shelters only.
The Dallas SPCA has set up 12-20 kennels at Reunion Arena for people with pets. These are all outside. For persons who want their animals placed with individuals for care, contact Marsha Caraway at 469-879-2588.
Humane Society of the United States: www.hsus.org
NATIONAL RESOURCES:
For emergency assistance in Louisiana for Life or Death Situations, Search and Rescue:
1-800-469-4828 or 225-925-7500
EMEGENCY NUMBERS: 9-1-1 in affected areas is taking emergency calls in disaster areas only. Louisiana Office of Emergency Management is 225-925-7500.
LEGAL ASSISTANCE: The American Bar Association is offering free legal assistance and advice for hurricane victims. Louisiana residents can call 800-310-7029, Mississippi residents can call 866-225-4495, and Alabama residents can call 800-354-6154.
TO LOCATE LOVED ONES:
American Red Cross at http://www.redcross.org/ “Family Links” registry or 1-877-568-3317
www.salvationarmyusa.org or 1-800-725-2769
Louisiana State Police: 1-800-469-4828
National Next-of-Kin Registry: http://nokr.org/nok/restricted/home.htm
WWL-TV in New Orleans has message posting capacity for those looking for loved ones and evacuees to post that they are okay at http://www.wwltv.com/
Another website to help locate family members: http://www.pleasenotifyme.org/nok/restricted.htm
Military Family Locator, 1-888-777-7731 or online at http://www.militaryfamilylocator.org/. Allows military families to submit information on their whereabouts and situations. The call center will be staffed 24 hours/7 days a week by representatives of all service branches.
TO CHECK ROAD CLOSURES/CONDITIONS: 1-888-588-2848 (toll-free)
Most likely, persons will be told to stay in place until it is safe to return.
Related Road Closure WEB SITES:
http://brgov.com/emergency/Road%20Closures
Louisiana: http://www.lsp.org/roadandincident.nsf/$ViewAll?OpenView
Alabama: http://www.dot.state.al.us/closures/
Mississippi: http://www.gomdot.com/
Florida: http://www.floridadisaster.org/
DONATIONS:
The United Way Hurricane Katrina Response Fund has been activated to help affected communities begin rebuilding their lives. To donate to this fund, please visit http://www.unitedway.org/ and click on “Hurricane Katrina Response Fund”. Credit card donations may also be made by calling 1-800-272-4630 or by mailing a check, made payable to United Way of America with “Hurricane Katrina Fund” in the memo line to: United Way of America, P.O. Box 630568, Baltimore, MD 21263-0568.
MISCELLANEOUS:
- American Red Cross – 1-866-GET INFO ( 438-4636)
- Travel Advisories – Travel is not permitted into southern Louisiana. Discourage travel at all. Use the LA police number 1-800-469-4828 for 911 type calls to LA
- Payment for people in hotels/motels – there is no payment planned. If people have no funds, refer them to the nearest shelter
- Callers who are concerned about things such as getting their mail ( government checks arriving) should be referred to shelters and/or mental health counselors. Essentially, they will be unable to do anything until the situation changes, but they CAN receive assistance through the shelters.
City of San Antonio Coordinated Relief Effort 9/9/05
Identification (ID) Recovery - Corazon Ministries will provide ID and documentation recovery to evacuees of Katrina. Texas Law requires that they obtain an official Texas ID card if they are living in Texas more than 30 days. Persons may also need IDs in order to travel by air or bus. Corazon Ministries’ ID recovery project will be based out of Building 171 at Kelly USA. Corazon Ministries’ office phone number is 210-226-8341
Case Management / Coordination of Various Services – Family Services Association, Catholic Charities, and the City of San Antonio Senior Services Division will provide 1) needs assessment 2) Service Planning 3) Referrals and Linkages to other supportive services such as child care, housing, food, counseling, etc. These agencies will be at all shelters to work with adults, children, families, and seniors to facilitate re-unification of families and to assist families to re-settle in the place of their choice. Family Services Association’s office phone number is 210- 299-2400. Catholic Charities’ office phone number is 210-222-1294. City of San Antonio Senior Services Division’s office phone number is 210-207-7172.
Transportation – Catholic Charities is working with FEMA to get transportation for people to go to the airport or bus station. Additionally, Catholic Charities will assist with transportation to medical appointments including dialysis and chemotherapy treatment. Catholic Charities’ office phone number is 210-222-1294.
Prescription drug/medical equipment assistance - City of San Antonio Senior Services Division will provide Prescription drug/medical equipment assistance for senior citizens. City of San Antonio Senior Services Division’s office phone number is 210-207-7172.
Meals - City of San Antonio Senior Services Division will assistance senior citizens (age 60+) to enroll for meals within the Comprehensive Nutrition Program. City of San Antonio Senior Services Division’s office phone number is 210-207-7172.
Food - Family Services Association, Catholic Charities, and the City of San Antonio Senior Services Division will provide referrals for food/groceries.
Job help –
Goodwill Industries of San Antonio will provide job search resources at its 9 Job Help Center locations to assist individuals entering the job market. Job Search resources include vocational assessment, resume writing, job search assistance, computer skills training, and placement. Supportive services will include transportation, training expenses, rent, deposits, utility assistance, medical assistance, clothing and household items. Main number for the Goodwill Industries of San Antonio is 210-924-8581.
The San Antonio College Women’s Center will provide stabilization, reunification and community integration services to a target population of women, with a focus on single parents/single heads of household who have been displaced from their homes as a result of Hurricane Katrina and are residing in San Antonio. Focus will also be placed on those individuals who plan on residing in San Antonio and who seek long-term employment.
The Women’s Center will provide the following services:
1) Needs Assessment
2) Case Management
3) Community referrals, coordination and advocacy
4) Peer Mentoring Services
5) Short-term informational and motivational workshops
6) Short-term job training for transitional employment
7) Job search and placement services
8) Supportive services
The phone number for the San Antonio College Women’s Center is 210-733-2299
Clothing - Goodwill Industries of San Antonio will provide clothing vouchers at its 9 Job Help Center locations. Main number for the Goodwill Industries of San Antonio is 210-924-8581.
Goodwill Industries of San Antonio Job Help Centers
401 Fredericksburg (at Vance Jackson), San Antonio, TX 78201
406 W. Commerce and Santa Rosa, San Antonio, TX 78207
4722 Eisenhauer at IH-35, San Antonio, TX 78218
2902 Goliad Rd., San Antonio, TX 78223
2514 SW Military Dr., San Antonio, TX 78224
12332 IH 10 West at De Zavala, San Antonio, TX 78230
1533 Austin Hwy., San Antonio, TX 78218
Housing – The City of San Antonio Fair Housing Administration offices will assist individuals in accessing housing resources. Call 210-207-5912
