American Red Cross providing food, shelter, cleanup supplies
Update as of noon, Sept. 23, 2008
The Red Cross continues to meet the needs of thousands of individuals and families in southeast Louisiana who are still struggling with the impact of hurricanes Gustav and Ike.
People whose homes have been damaged can call the Red Cross at 1-866-GET-INFO (438-4636) and FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) for assistance and information updates. Residents are also encouraged to let their friends and family know where they are through the Red Cross Safe and Well website at www.redcross.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
SUPPLIES
The Red Cross is delivering a variety of cleanup supplies to hurricane impacted areas where residents are working to make their homes livable again. Quantities of supplies vary by location, but may include such things as brooms, shovels, rakes, gloves, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, buckets and trash cans. These supplies are free, made possible by donations to the Red Cross disaster relief fund.
Tuesday, Sept. 23, supplies are available at:
- Knights of Columbus, 5396 Shrimpers Row, Dulac
- Sacred Heart Church, 1111 Highway 55, Montegut
- Lafitte Senior Center, Lafitte
Red Cross relief workers will also be delivering supplies throughout the Grand Isle area, which was just reopened to residents on Monday.
FEEDING
Red Cross emergency feeding efforts are focused on bayou areas where residents need food due to flooding and/or power outages. Red Cross mobile routes and fixed feeding sites will be adjusted daily to meet local needs.
On Tuesday, Sept. 23, Red Cross workers will have hot food at:
- First Baptist Church, Highway 1, Golden Meadow
- Knights of Columbus, 1546 Highway 665, Pointe-Aux-Chenes
- Ward 7 Citizens Club, 5006 Highway 56, Chauvin
Red Cross trucks will also be on the roads, delivering hot meals to people in heavily-impacted areas of Terrebonne Parish.
SHELTERS
The Red Cross continues to operate shelters for people whose homes are unlivable because of hurricanes Gustav or Ike. Since before Hurricane Gustav struck, Red Cross shelters have provided more than 16,700 overnight stays for disaster evacuees in southeast Louisiana.
Today, shelters remain open at:
- Lafourche: Larose Civic Center, 307 E. 5th St., Cut Off, La.
- Terrebonne: Dumas Recreation Center, Tunnel Blvd. at Barataria Ave., Houma, La.
- Terrebonne: Schriever gymnasium, 102 Kelsi Drive, Schriever, La.
Anyone evacuating to a Red Cross shelter should bring essential items for each member of the family:
- Prescription and emergency medications
- Foods and water
- Identification and important personal documents
- Change of clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies and other comfort items
- Supplies needed for children and infants, such as diapers, formula and toys
- Special items for family members who are elderly or disabled
Additional Information:
- Local media contact: Public Affairs Desk – (504) 915-9096
- Southeast Louisiana Chapter
