October 04, 2005
KATRINA EVACUEE RESPONSE
UPDATE
October 4, 2005
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – SEE PAGE 10
MOST NEEDED ITEMS – SEE PAGE 11
NOTE: Due to the extensive nature of the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina, it is estimated that evacuees will be here in the area for several months. MCUW and local non-profits are getting calls from people who prepared to be out of their homes for 3 days and are not prepared for this length of time. The Montgomery County Disaster Response Task Force will coordinate service delivery, including volunteers and donations, to equitably assist evacuees obtain the services needed in response to this disaster.
To meet with a MCUW Community Resource Coordinator, please drop in from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday at one of our offices:
Conroe: 731 West Davis or
The Woodlands: 1600 Lake Front Circle
For more information, please call the MCUW Helpline at 888-844-6289 extension 235 (English) or 888-825-9682 extension 235 (Bi-Lingual). Updates to this memo can be found at our website: www.mcuw.org .
Looking for someone who was in Katrina’s path?
Ø The Salvation Army has set up a web site to help people connect. Please go to www.satern.org to get the process started.
Ø American Red Cross missing persons’ number is 877-568-3317.
Ø Another resource is 382-607-3139 or go to the following website: http://www.familylinks.icrc.org/home.nsf/home/webfamilylinks
Ø Or contact the National Call Center through FEMA by calling 866-326-9393
1. Where to go for help in Montgomery County
a. CASH ASSISTANCE:
i. ARC: American Red Cross is making one time cash assistance to Hurricane Katrina evacuees based on the number of people in the family. To receive the funds, call the ARC at 800-975-7585. The ARC staff will open a case on the family and make arrangements to have funds made available.
ii. FEMA: Cash to help pay for basic daily needs is being offered by FEMA through their registration process. A Katrina evacuee family must register with FEMA either by calling 800-621-3362 or go their website www.disasterhelp.gov. FEMA will be reviewing information submitted and make funding determinations. The preferred form of payment is direct deposit in a bank. If an evacuee does not have an accessible bank account, it is recommended a local bank account be open to expedite the process.
iii. Evacuees who need information on their Child Support checks should call 800-256-4650.
iv. In order to cash a FEMA or American Red Cross check, banks are requiring a valid ID – Louisiana or Texas. See the section on Driver’s Licenses to learn how to obtain one.
b. NEW 9/29/05: FEMA ASSISTANCE CENTER: FEMA has opened an assistance center in Houston located at 6059 South Loop (610) East at the Wayside exit.
c. SHELTER: American Red Cross has closed all its shelters in Montgomery County for evacuees from Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi
Non-Red Cross Shelters:
THE WOODLANDS UNITED METHODIST CHCURCH (50 Capacity – OPEN)
281-297-5919
2200 Lake Woodlands Drive
The Woodlands
d. EVACUEES LIVING IN HOTELS: FEMA has extended the deadline for which they will pay for evacuees who are staying in hotels to October 21st. Hotels should bill FEMA directly. However, if a hotel does not want to, evacuees need to send copies of the receipts to FEMA for reimbursement.
e. IN HOME SHELTER: To find a local family willing to open their home to Hurricane Katrina evacuees, register on one of the following web sites:
1. www.katrinahousing.org
2. www.hurricanehousing.org
3. www.har.com
f. Long Term Housing:
i. Assisted Living for Senior Adults: Hearthstone (936-788-2626) in Conroe and Champion Oaks on Red Oak (281-440-0966) in North Harris County are willing to work with Katrina evacuees on the daily rate for living at their facilities. Please call to find out more about what they are offering.
ii. Montgomery County Housing Authority will be accepting Katrina evacuees who were in Section 8 HUD housing in their home state. To qualify, evacuees must contact the Housing Authority at 936-539-4984 to begin the process.
iii. Habitat for Humanity will host a meeting with potential candidates on November 19th at 1:00 pm at the Central Library in Conroe on the I-45 feeder north of 2854.
iv. Available Houston housing information can be found by calling the Houston Housing Resource Center at 713-578-2087 or by checking the website www.hrc.hctx.net.
v. Real estate counselors are available Monday through Friday from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at The Woodlands United Methodist Church, 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive, The Woodlands. Assistance will be offered to help evacuees find apartments and housing and the latest offerings for evacuee mortgages.
g. FOOD: Food Pantries
Conroe Church of Christ M – F 10:00 – 3:00 936-756-8988
1500 N. Frazier, Conroe
UPDATED 9/29/05:
Conroe First Christian Church M – Th 9:00 – noon 936-756-3554
3500 Loop 336 West, Conroe
UPDATED 9/29/05:
Creative Outreach Ministries M – F 10:00 – 6:00 936-441-5433
Angelic Resale, 940 S. Frazier, Conroe
Bring LA ID
Father’s House/Mercy Ministries Wednesday 10:00 – 1:00 936-264-4200
1227 South First, Conroe
Groceville Baptist Church Th 9:00 – 12:00 936-264-1868
19256 FM 1484, Conroe
Interfaith of The Woodlands M-F 9:00 – 12:00 noon 281-367-1230
4242 Woodrush, The Woodland
Mission Northeast (East Co.) T – Th 9:00 – 11:00 281-354-1200
22098 Loop 494, New Caney
Mo - Co Emergency Assistance M – F 9:00 – 4:00 936-539-9211
1023 1/2 Lewis, Conroe
St. Vincent de Paul M – Th 10:00 – 3:30 936-539-1188
109 N. Frazier Friday only 10:00 – noon
Nourishment for the Needy (S. Co.) T and Th 9:00 – 2:00 281-292-2695
27351 Blueberry Hill, #46, Oak Ridge North
UPDATED 9/29/05:
The Salvation Army (Conroe) M – F 9:00 – 11:00/1:00- 3:00 936.760-2440
304 Avenue E, Conroe
Society of Samaritans (Magnolia) M,W,F 10:00 – 2:00 281-252-0779
603 Littletwig, Magnolia T, Th 10:00 – 4:00
Spring Woodlands Church of Christ M – Sat 9:00 - 3:00 281-367-2304
1021 Sawdust Road, Spring
St. Anthony’s Catholic Church M - Th 9:00 – 12:00 281-296-2800 ex.210
7801 Bay Branch, The Woodlands
TLC (Willis) M – F 10:00 – 1:00 936-856-8317
110 W. Montgomery, Willis
h. FOOD: Prepared Meals
LUNCH
Salvation Army
304 Ave. E, Conroe
936-760-2440
Begin Serving at 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Monday – Friday
Any person who is a Katrina evacuee can go the Chick-fil-A location in The Woodlands Mall or by the mall and receive a 50% discount on their meal.
i. FOOD STAMPS: If an evacuee is currently receiving food stamps through the State of Louisiana, you can use your cards at any Kroger’s, HEB or Wal-Mart. If an evacuee would like to receive Food stamps, please go to the Texas Department of Health and Human Services to apply for this benefit. Evacuees will be given 30 days of food stamp funds. The address is 608 North Loop 336 E. Conroe, TX. The number is 936-539-1161.
j. REGISTER FOR FEMA ASSISTANCE: All evacuees MUST register with FEMA. Registering with American Red Cross is NOT the same as FEMA. The role of FEMA is to help people recover from the loss of their homes and goods either in the form of grants or loans. To get assistance, evacuees can register with FEMA for help by phone 800-621-3362 or go their website www.disasterhelp.gov . Evacuee households are eligible for $2,000 to assist with immediate needs. This is not the same as housing or exit travel expense funds. IF YOU HAVE NOT HEARD FROM FEMA WITHIN 10 DAYS OF REGISTERING, PLEASE RECONTACT FEMA TO FIND OUT IF THERE IS A PROBLEM.
k. SOCIAL SECURITY OR SSI CHECK: If you receive your Social Security, SSI or Disability check by mail, you can go to the Conroe office of Social Security Administration, 2017 N. Frazier, Conroe, to have your check mailed to a different location. If you do not have a residence, Social Security will allow your check to be mailed there for your pick up. Arrangements have been made with Woodforest National Bank located at 3105 West Davis Conroe, to assist with direct deposit and cashing of Social Security and SSI checks. The local Social Security office is open 9-4 Monday - Friday. You can also call 800- 772-1213 is open from 7:00 -7:00 Monday - Friday to process changes. Local Phone: 936-539-2058.
l. VA HOUSTON VETERANS BENEFITS: The Houston VA is assisting veterans by focusing on health care needs medical evaluation, prescription drug refills, and equipment. If an evacuee was receiving VA compensation or pension check, please call 800-827-1000 or 713-794-8293. Veteran and family, if there is a medical need, can go to VA Emergency room for triage. Address: Old Spanish Trail just past Alameda – Physical address is 2002 Holcomb. Displaced VA employees can contact the VA Hospital HR department for questions regarding pay by calling 713-794-7458 or 794-8286.
m. SCHOOLING FOR CHILDREN: If you have school age children, please go to the school closest to your place of temporary residence to enroll them in school.
a. Conroe Independent School District: For evacuees in Conroe, Grangerland, Cut N Shoot, Oak Ridge, Shenandoah and The Woodlands: If you are unsure about what school in which to enroll your child, please call 936-709-7751 or go to www.conroeisd.net. If you need school supplies and clothing for students, please see the school counselor. They have grade appropriate supplies.
b. Magnolia Independent School District: 281-356-3571
c. Montgomery Independent School District: 936-582-1333
d. New Caney Independent School District: 281-354-1166
e. Splendora Independent School District: 281-689-3128
f. Willis Independent School District: 936-856-1204
n. COLLEGE STUDENTS: Montgomery College is accepting registration for late-start and on-line closes at in-district rates to Katrina evacuees. To learn more about how to continue your education, go to Montgomery College at 3200 College Park Drive, Conroe.
o. WHERE TO GO TO GET CLOTHING ONLY:
i. School Clothing: Please see the counselor at the school in which child is enrolling for a voucher.
ii. UPDATED 9/29/05: Salvation Army: Donated clothing is available for evacuees. Please go to The Salvation Army at 304 Avenue E in Conroe to speak to a social worker. Phone number: 936.760-2440.
iii. Nearly New Thrift Store;106 S. San Jacinto; Conroe, Texas Mon. – Sat. 10 – 3 936-756-4539: 4-5 outfits per person
iv. Bridgewood Farms Thrift Store – Oakridge, 26752 I45, Spring, Texas: Mon. – Sat. 10 – 4; 281-298-9007: Free Clothes with Louisiana Identification.
v. Society of Samaritans (SOS); 603 Littlewig; Magnolia, TX 77355: Mon. – Sat. 10:00 – 2: 281-259-4088: 4-5 outfits per person
vi. Mission Northeast; 22098 Loop 494, New Caney, TX; Tues/Wed/Thur. 9 – 3; 281-354-1200: Each evacuee gets to fill 3 bags of clothing.
vii. New Caney New Horizons Resale Shop, 22564 Community Dr., New Caney, TX 77357; Mon. – Sat. 10 -5; 281-354-7667: 4-5 outfits per person.
viii. Family Time, 23874 Loop 494, Porter, Texas, Mon. – Fri 10 – 4, Sat. – Sun. 10 – 2, 281-354-5590: 4-5 outfits per person.
ix. Creative Outreach Services – Angelic Resale, 940 S. Frazier, Conroe, Texas, 936-441-5433, Mon. – Fri. 10 – 6 , Sat. – 10 – 5; will give clothing.
x. “It’s All Good” Thrift Store: 115 North San Jancito, Conroe. Hours: M-F 10-4. Will give 3 outfits per person – please call 936-441-6442 to make an appointment to get clothes.
p. MEDICAL CARE
i. Diabetic supplies are available for people with diabetes from the hurricane area by calling Eleanor Meador at The Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge at 225-763-3151 or by email at diabetesrelief@pbrc.edu.
ii. Vision Source at 1508 Research Forest Drive, Suite 200, Shenandoah 281-466-1700 will provide discounted glasses and contact lens eye exams as well as provide discounts for glasses and contact. Please make and appointment but walk-ins appointments are available. Open Monday - Friday 9:00 -7:00, Saturday, 9:00 -5:00 Sunday 12:00 – 4:00.
iii. Randall’s Food and Pharmacies will be able to provide Katrina Survivors, who do not have prescription coverage or the ability to pay, their essential medications, (excluding Schedule 2 narcotics), at all Houston area Randall’s Pharmacies free of charge. We ask that these people please bring in a form of identification showing that they are a resident of Louisiana or Mississippi. (This could be a Drivers License, voter's registration card, bill containing name and address, etc.) In order to expedite the filling process we ask that, if possible, they provide an empty bottle or package, but this is not necessary. Survivors who do not have a doctor's prescription will be able to get medications based upon the pharmacist's best judgment. Randall’s is set up to accept Louisiana and Mississippi Medicaid and Red Cross Vouchers. Questions can be directed to Glen Davis, Director of Pharmacy 713-268-3622.
iv. Evacuees with insurance or Medicare and in need of a doctor exam to get prescription refilled need to go to the local Urgent care center: Conroe Urgent Care Clinic: 936-539-4004; South Montgomery County - Dr. De’s Urgent Care: 281-292-1310 or Oaks Medical Center: 281-367-1414/936-321-3100; Willis – Texas Minor Emergency Center: 936-856-3600.
v. Medical care is available at The Community Clinic. Call 281-364-7889 to make an appointment. Ask for Jane or Jackie to make a medical appointment or Lorene to make a dental appointment. Services are limited.
vi. Pregnancy Testing & Counseling: Pregnancy Assistance North will provide free pregnancy testing, counseling and material assistance such as diapers, baby clothes and maternity clothes. Call to make an appointment before going: Spring: 281.367.1518 and Conroe 936-441-6442. Locations: 26402 I-45 North, Spring or 115 North San Jacinto Street, Conroe.
vii. Anyone with active TB needs to contact UTMB at 936.525.2800 and ask for Amanda or Dr. Ibrahim to schedule an appointment and treatment.
viii. Women who are pregnant and in need or pre-natal care or in need of family planning assistance should contact UTMB at 936.525.2800.
ix. The Lone Star Family Health Center will work people into their schedule and are making a special track for urgent care of evacuees. You can receive continuation of prenatal care, newborn and pediatric care as well as adult care through geriatrics. They deliver babies and provide other inpatient care at Conroe Regional Medical Center. They will accept Louisiana Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance and sliding fee scale. Individuals evacuated from hurricane zones will be seen regardless of ability to pay. Immunizations are available at the clinic without a doctor visit from 8:30 AM until 11:00 AM for those evacuees who were exposed to the flood waters. Patients who are seen at the Lone Star Family Health Center can then fill their prescription at the clinic’s pharmacy. The address is: 704 Old Montgomery Road in Conroe (just east of I-45); Phone: 936-539-4004 for appointments. The hours are Monday through Thursday 8:30 AM until 8PM. Evening clinics are walk-in so no appointment is necessary.
x. Sadler Clinic is available to assist the survivors of Hurricane Katrina at all eight of their locations needing medical care and/or to see a physician for prescription refills. To find the Sadler Clinic location closest to you go to http://www.sadler.com Appointments are not necessary but recommended. Prenatal care is available at Sadler Clinic at St. Luke's Way.
xi. Pharmacists, at their discretion, are allowed to refill non-narcotic prescriptions without a prescription for up to 30 days.
xii. TOMAGWA will see patients in the Magnolia/Tomball area. They will pay for some prescriptions. Address: 13414 Medical Complex Drive, Suite 1, Tomball, TX Monday – Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Phone: 281-357-A0747
xiii. Pharmacies that are working with Katrina Evacuees – Walgreen’s, CVS, Wal-Mart, Kroger’s, HEB, and RiteAid. If an evacuee has a prescription bottle, prescription or other items identifying a prescription, it will be filled at one of the noted pharmacies. According to a state advisory, a person should not be turned away due to inability to pay for their prescription.
xiv. If an evacuee has taken medicine and does not have proof, please call “Ask Your Nurse” at 713-633-2255for assistance.
xv. SPECIAL NEEDS: Families with individuals who have special needs should call United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) for services and special needs equipment at 936-760-4179 extension 472.
xvi. The Dialysis Hotline to make appointments is 800-626-1297.
q. payroll/unemployment benefits:
i. Unemployment benefits: Disaster unemployment funds can be obtained by calling 1-800-818-7811 or going to the web site www.texasworkforce.org .
ii. Louisiana State employees will be paid through the end of September at a minimum. If an evacuee does not receive their check, they need to contact their agency payroll office. Don’t know who to call or what to do – use the toll free number 866-783-5462.
r. CREDIT/FINANCIAL COUNSELING
i. HOPE Coalition America provides free services including: emergency budget counseling, emergency credit management, assistance with deferring Mortgage payments, Assistance with working with creditors, assistance with obtaining copies of destroyed financial documents, insurance claims assistance. Please call 888-388-4673.
ii. For information about your bank accounts, lost checking and saving records, ATM cards and more, contact the FDIC by calling 877-275-3342 or online at www.fdic.gov.
s. WORK - JOBS:
i. A local website: BearsInAction.com has a section set up to match jobs with workers. If you are willing to do post Hurricane Rita yard work or other day labor work, please go to this website to find potential work in the Montgomery County.
ii. Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) has programs and services for adults and children 0-3. Helps people with disabilities find jobs, learn to live independently in the community or prepare your children with disabilities go to school. For more information, please contact 800-628-5115.
iii. Wal-Mart Distribution Center is hiring a large number of people for shift work, weekends, both part time and full time. Applications are accepted 24 hours a day at 20131 Gene Campbell Blvd, New Caney.
iv. The WorkSource is a one-stop shop collaboration for people seeking employment or unemployment benefits. There are 2 locations in Montgomery County:
1. Conroe: 2018 I-45; Phone: 281-756-0042/936-441-0037
2. The Woodlands: 2170 Buckthorne Place; Phone: 281-363-1640
3. Huntsville: 901 Normal Park Drive, Suite 7; Phone: 936.291.3336
4. Humble: 9668 FM 1960 Bypass Rd W; Phone: 281.446.4837
v. The Rotary Club of The Woodlands has begun a web site to post resumes, find jobs and post job openings. Evacuees can go to the local library to log onto HurricaneKatrinaJobBank.com.
vi. Link Staffing has set up an 800 number to assist evacuees find jobs. Four people will be manning the phones between 8am and 6pm tomorrow. 1-877-645-5465. This line will be established for those affected by Katrina and looking for temporary or temp to hire employment effective 8am on Sept 1st. Hours for this line are 8am-6pm CST
vii. On line job bank managed by the South Montgomery County Woodlands Chamber of Commerce: www.majec.org
viii. There are a number of local and Houston Regional Employment agencies interested in working with Katrina evacuees to place them in job openings. Please look at the local phone book or ads in the local papers for those services.
ix. Teachers in the New Orleans Public School system are asked to call 877-771-5800. A database is being developed.
x. The Permian Basin area companies are looking for employees. Go to www.mhywesttexs.com and scroll midway down to “Basin Employers looking to attract storm victims”, then under “Top Links” and click on “Jobs” to fill out a profile and/or got to the Jobs Quick Search for listings.
xi. Hurricane Katrina victims can now go to the Chamber's website www.conroe.org and click on the target located on the homepage for current job listings nationwide. Houston, Huntsville & Conroe all have jobs available.
xii. Resume and career counselors are available Monday through Friday from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm to help evacuees create a current resume and find job opportunities. Location: The Woodlands United Methodist Church, 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive, The Woodlands.
t. BUSINESS – REBUILDING A BUSINESS LOST DUE TO KATRINA
i. A new website has been set up to help businesses get back into operations quickly, especially with temporary quarters or with temporary arrangements. The site has a query form that a business can fill out to ask if a specific service, building or other asset is available – such as crane capacities, shop press tonnage, warehouse services. Go to www.GetBackInBusinessFast.com .
u. COUNSELING:
i. Crisis Counseling: Please call Tri-County MHMR Services Crisis Counseling at 800-659-6994. Arrangements will be made to meet at a convenient location with person in need of counseling when the call is made.
ii. Children and Youth Counseling: Please call Montgomery County Youth Services at the closest location for an appointment.
1. Conroe: 936-756-8682
2. East Montgomery County: 281-354-4873
3. Magnolia: 281-259-0440
4. South County 281-292-6471
iii. Interfaith Employee Assistance Center: Mental Health Counseling for Katrina evacuees can be obtained by calling 281 363 1633. They are affiliates of most of the national EAP's and can provide counseling through the evacuees national EAP at no cost.
iv. The Montgomery County Satellite of DePelchin is available for counseling services to the children, adolescents and families of the victims of Katrina. Anyone requesting services should call the Intake number 713.730.2335 and let the intake worker know they are a victim of Katrina.
v. Toll Free Hotline for people in crisis in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina: 800-273-8255. Callers will be connected to a network of crisis counseling from trained staff at the closest certified crisis center in the network.
vi. Call to make an appointment with the following volunteer Mental Health Professionals:
1. Rebecca Snyder, UCP 936-441-0789 or 936-760-4179 extension 472
2. Melinda Schoppe, 832-928-7290 – play therapy for children
3. Irena Miltijevic, Ph.D., 281-267-1742 – children, families, individuals, Post partum Depression
vii. Therapists and counselors are available Monday through Friday from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm to help evacuees with counseling services. Location: The Woodlands United Methodist Church, 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive, The Woodlands.
v. NEW 10/04/05 – BiG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS: If your child is in need of a Big Brother or Big Sister and you are in Montgomery County or North Harris County, please contact Rae Taylor at 281-292-4155 extension 238 to set up a match. BBBS will be overseeing the matches at local schools.
w. PETS: The Humane Society of Montgomery County has a Foster home network for evacuee pets including rabbits, ferrets, rodents (hamsters, gerbils, rats) and snakes. Address: 8535 HWY 242, Conroe; Call 936-271-7600.
x. free access to computers: Evacuees can go to one of the following locations to use the Internet to register for or research assistance:
i. Conroe Central Library: 104 I-45 North, Conroe
ii. Magnolia Library: (Malcolm Purvis Branch) 510 Melton, Magnolia
iii. Montgomery Library: (West Branch) 19380 Hwy 105 W, Montgomery
iv. New Caney Library: (RB Tullis Branch) 21130 US Hwy 59, New Caney
v. South County Library: 2101 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands
vi. Willis Library: (Meador Branch) 709 W. Montgomery, Willis
vii. The Woodlands: (Mitchell Branch) 8125 Ash Lane Way, The Woodlands
viii. Kingwood College: 20000 Kingwood Drive, Kingwood
ix. Montgomery College: 3200 College Park Drive, Conroe
x. Tomball College: 30555 Tomball Parkway, Tomball
xi. The WorkSource: see addresses noted above in the section “Work – Jobs”
xii. The Woodlands United Methodist Church: 2299 Lake Woodlands, The Woodlands
y. REPORTING PRICE GOUGING/FRAUD: If an evacuee suspects they have been victimized by a business, they can contact:
i. Better Business Bureau: 800-275-3626 or www.bbbhou.org
ii. Housing: Montgomery County Housing Authority: 936-539-4984
iii. State Attorney General: 800-252-8011 or www.oag.state.tx.us
z. DRIVERS LICENSE:
i. Individuals currently licensed or having possession of a Louisiana ID cared can apply for a free reconstructed driver’s license or ID card. An application is now available through OMV’s website www.expresslane.org or it can be faxed to the individual upon request by calling 877-368-5463.
ii. Texas Department of Public Safety will issue Texas Driver’s Licenses to Louisiana residents with a Louisiana driver’s license. The local office of DPS is 2 Hilbig Road, Conroe.
aa. QUESTIONS AND HELP WITH INSURANCE:
i. Evacuees who cannot get in touch with their regular insurance companies in Louisiana can call 800-259-5300 or file a request for help at the Louisiana Department of Insurance’s online assistance at public@ldi.state.la.us.
ii. The Texas Department of Insurance can assist you with questions or concerns about insurance by: answering questions about all types of insurance, contact your insurance company, contact your home states insurance department, explain insurance claims process, and assist with problems or complaints about an insurance company, adjustor or agent. For general insurance assistance call 800-252-3439. For Workers’ Compensation issues, call 800-372-7713. For additional Hurricane Katrina assistance, visit www.tdi.state.tx.us/consumer/katrina.html.
bb. TRAVEL
i. AreoMexico Is offering Mexican nationals displaced by Katrina free one way travel to Mexico City through October 15. Contact the Mexican Consulate at 800-495-6639 or 713-788-6112.
cc. LEGAL ASSISTANCE:
i. Legal Aid with Louisiana attorneys is available at The Woodlands United Methodist church, 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive, The Woodlands Monday through Friday from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Help is provided on FEMA, insurance, licensing and miscellaneous legal questions.
2. VOULUNTEERS NEEDED
a. Men with Trucks – Montgomery County Housing Authority needed to pick up furniture and household items from donors to a collection site as well as moving the items from the collection site to apartments. Please call 936-539-4984 to donate your time and truck.
b. Sorting and Organizing furniture – Montgomery County Housing Authority needs volunteers at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds to receive, sort, organize and prepare for delivery, furniture and household items from donors. Please call 936-539-4984 find out the hours of operation and to donate your time.
c. Free eye exams and glasses – if your organization is willing to arrange for free eye exams and glasses, please contact MCUW at 281-292-4155 extension 235 to share details about the process needed to connect those in need with your organization.
d. Food: The Salvation Army needs help sorting canned goods for evacuees. The address is for The Salvation Army is 304 Avenue E in Conroe and the phone number is 936.760-2440.
e. Creative Outreach Ministries needs volunteers to help with their Food Pantry. Please call 936-441-5433 to schedule a time to go in. Creative Outreach Ministries’ Angelic Resale Shop is located at 940 S. Frazier, Conroe.
f. The following Area hotels have evacuee families in need of hot meals (breakfast/lunch/dinner), snacks, and drinks. Please contact: The Baymont Inn, Conroe; Best Western, The Woodlands; Budget Inn, The Woodlands; Comfort Suites, The Woodlands; Fairfield Inn, The Woodlands; LaQuinta Inn, Shenandoah; Comfort Inn, Conroe; Days Inn, Conroe; Hampton Inn, The Woodlands; Holiday Inn Express, The Woodlands; Holiday Inn, Conroe; Residence Inn, The Woodlands; and Motel 6, Conroe.
g. Clothing: Creative Outreach Ministries needs volunteers to sort donated clothing and fill bags of donated items for evacuees. Address: Angelic Resale, 940 S. Frazier, Conroe, Texas, Phone: 936-441-543
h. Adopt a family: Congregations and organizations are encouraged to adopt a Katrina Family who is eligible for HUD housing. This means furnishing all household goods, furniture and cooking items. Contact Montgomery County Housing Authority at 936-539-4984 to volunteer.
i. Licensed Mental Health professionals can volunteer by contacting Heather Thornton, Tri-County MHMR Crisis Services, at 936-521-6413. They will need to go through a brief training dealing with crisis counseling, which can be scheduled with Heather.
3. DONATIONS NEEDED:
a. UPDATED 9/27/05: Gently Used Household items: The website BearsinAction.com will allow donors to post household items (furniture, dishes, pots, pans, glasses, silverware, and linens) with people who are in need of those items. Please go to the site to put your name on a list with specific items to be donated. A warehouse is not being established at this time. The donor would be put in direct contact with the recipient by a third party – your personal information is not available to the general public.
b. Food: Both bulk size and family sized are needed. Items needed include: Flour, sugar, canned meat, canned vegetables, Depends, please take donations to: Montgomery County Food Bank – 1300 South Frazier, Suite 310, Conroe – 936-539-6686. The items will distribute through the above noted local food pantries.
c. Gas Cards: Please deliver donated gas cards to Montgomery County United Way offices at 731 West Davis in Conroe or 1600 Lake Front Circle, Suite 248 in The Woodlands. The Sam’s Club and Wal-Mart Club Gift cards can be used to buy gas at Sam’s and Wal-Mart locations. Shell and Exxon Mobil also has Cash Cards.
d. Pet Food and Litter: The Humane Society of Montgomery County needs pet food and cat litter to support their Foster home network for evacuee pets including rabbits, ferrets, birds, rodents (hamsters, gerbils, rats) and snakes. Address: 8535 HWY 242, Conroe; Call 936-271-7600
e. Donate your home to an evacuee or family:
i. The Houston Area Realtors Association in cooperation with the a number of other groups has set up a web site to list people willing and interested in having an evacuee family stay with them for a period to time. Please register your home by going to www.har.com.
ii. Another resource: www.hurricanehousing.org
iii. And another resource: www.katrinahousing.org
f. Cash Donations:
i. American Red Cross (Shelter expenses and immediate needs):
Phone: 800-435-7669 or 800-257-7575 (Spanish)
Online: www.houstonredcross.org or www.redcross.org
Mail: P. O. Box 37243
Washington, D. C. 20013
ii. The Salvation Army
Phone: 866- 448-2769
Online: www.salvationarmyhouston.org
Mail: 1500 Austin Street
Houston, TX 77002
iii. Montgomery County United Way (Needs not covered by ARC and FEMA)
Phone: 888-844-6289 extension 235 (English) or 888-825-9682 extension 222 (Spanish).
Online: www.mcuw.org (local needs) or
https://clickngive.united-e-way.org/hurricane-katrina/donate/ (New Orleans recovery)
Mail: P. O. Box 8965
The Woodlands, TX 77387
NOTE: Please note donation is for “Katrina”
Donations made to the United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast are for Harris County only
Anyone interested in coordinating efforts on behalf of the Katrina evacuees is invited and encouraged to attend the Montgomery County Disaster Recovery Task Force meeting, which is coordinating the evacuee efforts. The next meeting is:
Monday, October 3, 2005
3:00 pm
MCUW South County Service Center
1600 Lake Front Circle, Conference Room B
The Woodlands
