Los Angeles Area American Red Cross Chapters Assist Over 1,000 Families Affected

Posted by: KHTS FM 98.1 & AM 1220 in Local News September 14, 2005 - 12:56 pm 0 107 Views

The American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles (ARCGLA) and the surrounding LA area chapters are responding to the needs of over 1,000 families from the Gulf Coast who have come to Los Angeles on their own seeking emergency assistance after Hurricane Katrina. To date all of these families and individuals have received emergency funds for food, clothing and emergency medical needs. These families, who began arriving over the Labor Day weekend, are also being placed in temporary lodging if they have no other place to stay.

As of this afternoon, more than $500,000 has been given in direct assistance here in the Los Angeles area, which does not include the amount paid for lodging. More families and individuals are expected in the days and weeks ahead. A Family Reception Center has been set up at 2614 West 7th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90057 (Corner of Rampart and 7th) to better serve these families. This is where Red Cross caseworkers can meet with each family, determine their immediate needs, and provide them with financial assistance on the spot to help them through these difficult times.

As of this morning, the Greater Los Angeles Chapter has sent 72 volunteers to the affected areas and has trained nearly 500 volunteers since Katrina hit. Nationally, the Red Cross has housed more than 207,000 evacuees providing nearly 1.94 million overnight stays in 709 shelters across 24 states and the District of Columbia . To date, the Red Cross has already distributed more than $100 million in financial assistance to meet critical needs such as food and water, shelter, clothing and medical assistance.

The American Red Cross is quickly responding to the unprecedented scale and conditions of Hurricane Katrina by creating a new toll free call center to meet emergency disaster needs. Even as volunteers are tending to critical needs, the Red Cross continues to expand its capability to build a bridge of financial assistance and services for victims until they can access state and federal aid and referrals to services for hurricane evacuees across the nation. Families and individuals in need can access this program by calling 1-800-975-7585. Those who have already arrived in the Southland they may call the Los Angeles Red Cross hotline 1-800-540-2000 or 213-739-5205 (8:30 AM until 6:00 PM 7-days a week until further notice).

American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of this hurricane and thousands of other disasters across the country each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling, and other assistance to those in need.

Call 1-800-HELP-NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). To make a secure online donation go the www.redcross.org or www.cruzrojaamericana.org (Spanish). Funds may be sent to your local American Red Cross Chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013 .