Washington, Aug., 30 2005
My fellow Louisianians,
The events in the last few days have hit us harshly,
and the effects of Hurricane Katrina are still not
fully known. I know most of you, like my family and
I, have spent a restless night, evacuated from your
homes and still without power. We are all worried
about what we will find when we are finally given
the all clear to return. Some of you are probably
fearful about the welfare of your loved ones - my
prayers are with you and yours.
There is, unfortunately, more that we do not know
than we do know right now. I assure you that, as each
moment goes by, we will do everything we can to bring
you as much information as possible. As always, I
encourage you to contact my offices with questions
and concerns. My staff and I will do all we can to
provide you with the assistance you need.
However, in an effort to provide you with as much
help as possible, as quickly as possible, I have compiled
below a list of contact information for state, federal,
and private groups that might be of assistance and
I encourage you to contact them. The Red Cross, whose
number is at the top of this list, can serve as a
first stop in getting you the assistance you need
with virtually all your questions.
I have setup a temporary office in Baton Rouge
to help in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Please
contact that office at 1-800-958-0019, or my Washington
office, if there is anything you need.
The State of Louisiana has now set up the Katrina
Information Center to field all calls about volunteering,
donations, relief, search and rescue, updates on hospitals,
nursing homes, missing persons, etc. The center can
be reached at either 225-925-1938 or 1-866-310-7617
Washington, Sep 7 - KATRINA RECOVERY
SEPTEMBER 7, 2005
AMERICAN RED CROSS
- ARC is managing 175 shelters in Louisiana with
a population of approximately 55,537 displaced citizens
- To date, ARC has served more than 1 million meals
and 3 million snacks
o Of which, 125,846 meals were served in the last
24 hours
- ARC is also coordinating a Family Registry Link
to assist individuals in locating their friends and
family
o Additional information available online at www.redcross.org
o Or call: 1-877-LOVED-1S (1-877-568-3317)
o More than 44,000 individuals have already registered
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
- There are currently 53,377 displaced citizens in
69 Louisiana shelters
o Another 681 citizens are housed in six special needs
shelters
o About 78,923 Louisiana citizens are housed in 92
shelters in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Oklahoma,
Texas, South Carolina, Utah and West Virginia.
- On Tuesday, DSS expanded emergency Food Stamp Benefits
application processing to offices in all parishes
except those directly affected by Katrina
Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
- Search and rescue operations continue in Greater
New Orleans area
o Estimated total persons rescued to date: 21,000
- Conditions within rescue areas
o Water levels continue to recede in most rescue areas
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
- About $20.7 million, the first disbursement in
a $62 million National Emergency Grant, to be sent
to several communities affected by hurricane. Total
package should create 10,000 jobs.
BOARD OF REGENTS
- LCTCS is enrolling displaced students at campuses
not affected by Katrina
o Most campuses are starting "mini-mesters"
or new class sections to accommodate displaced students
- Administrations of Nunez, Delgado and affected
LTC campuses are operating in Baton Rouge
o Displaced Delgado faculty pay checks ready for distribution.
o LCTCS processed the more than 800 checks for the
displaced Delgado faculty and staff
o Checks are now available to be picked up at the
LCTCS System office, from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Call (225) 922-1633 to provide mailing info
- Developing plans to provide employment training
and adult learning opportunities at long-term evacuee
housing locations through LCTCS and Dept. of Labor
- Hotline for student information available from
7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily
o Call1-866-415-2269
o Or go online to: www.regents.state.la.us
