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Q & A with the Central Louisiana Chapter of the Red Cross
09/07/08 - 07:19 AM
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1) Is Red Cross providing any assistance to people displaced due to flooding or damaged houses? The Red Cross did some voucher / Visa cards
after Katrina.  If so, when are they going to be available and what is the process to apply for the aid?

The American Red Cross of Central Louisiana has been joined by 282 volunteers from across the country (New York, Hawaii, Ohio, to name a few states) to provide the 3 ongoing disaster responses:  helping those evacuated from the Gulf Coast; sheltering Central Louisiana residents during 24 hours of tropical-storm-force winds; and responding to the needs of those of us in Central Louisiana impacted by last weeks floods.  Red Cross has provided over 40,000 overnight stays and in excess of 100,000 meals and snacks right here in Central Louisiana.  For the past several days, we have been distributing clean-up kits, food, water, and comfort kits throughout our impacted parishes.  Tonight we are still sheltering residents of Orleans, Terrebonne, Rapides and Avoyelles Parishes. 

The earliest forms of Red Cross disaster assistance include mass feeding and distribution of clean-up supplies, attention from disaster health and mental health professionals, disaster welfare inquiry, and referral to other recovery resources.

Since Wednesday, Red Cross disaster action teams have been able to conduct damage assessment throughout our parishes.  It is expected that the Red Cross will begin outreach Monday and case workers will visit neighborhoods and homes that incurred serious damage across Central Louisiana.  Central Louisianans needing assistance because of Hurricane Gustav who have not been contacted by outreach teams by Wednesday, September 10, should call 318 442-6621 to request a damage assessment home visit.

As with all disasters like homefires and tornadoes, Red Cross assistance will focus on providing shelter, food, and other emergency needs to help people begin the recovery process.  All diaster relief is based on need and has a goal of helping families or individuals get through the first days following a disaster without duplicating service.  Assistance varies based on need--some families need food, others need a place to stay, others may need help with deposits for a new apartment or medicine lost in the storm.  In most cases, this assistance will be provided via a value-loaded Mastercard. 

Client assistance cards can be used just like credit cards, at any stores that accept MasterCard. There is less paperwork and clients can use the cards with more privacy and flexibility.

2) FEMA assistance for flooding, debris, damaged houses, food, shelter, etc.  Do you know what is available?  What is the best way to apply for that?  Is there a local setup office or just the website and 800#?

I understand that a FEMA Disaster Relief Center will be located in the area; at this time, I do not have any information on the location or date it will be open.  People are being encouraged to apply through the website and 800 number at this time.

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