Las Vegas NowTown Hall Meeting Helps Those Who Want to Help

Town Hall Meeting Helps Those Who Want to Help

(Scroll down for local housing phone numbers and useful online resources)

After a short delay, Nevada has a more accurate number of the evacuees who'll be relocated to the Silver State. About 200 are expected to arrive in the valley starting on Monday, and during a town meeting Thursday evening the public learned about resources available to them if they help Hurricane Katrina victims.

So far 800 hurricane victims have registered for help in the Las Vegas Valley. More are coming and hundreds of people here want to help them.

Wendy Dugan, hurricane survivor, said, "Everyone in Las Vegas has been so wonderful. Neighbors have brought us food and clothing." Dugan is thankful for the generosity that her new neighbors have shown her family. But there is still plenty to worry about. "Honestly it is the money situation, FEMA's not helping, insurance companies can't help."

More evacuees like Dugan are set to arrive soon with their own worries. But the turnout at the emergency town hall meeting Thursday clearly shows there are plenty of valley residents ready to help.

"A lot of people are asking what can we do," said Glenda Coleman. She is waiting for two evacuees to arrive. "Basically looking for info on how to file claims for the loss of their home."

Many others have their own questions about how to help, which is why this meeting was held. First, monetary donations -- not donations of items -- are proving to be the most effective means of helping.

Cedric Creer, with the American Red Cross, said, "The monetary donations help people in the area that need specific help."

If evacuees are coming to stay with you or your neighbors, the first place you should send them to is the Fertitta Community Center. E

Nancy McLane, with Clark County Social Services, said, "The reason it is so important is that every public entity you need is at that location. They are assessing the immediate needs. If they were exposed to flood waters, they are being vaccinated."

It's at the Fertitta Community Center that hurricane survivors can have their questions answered and get started with small steps on the long road to recovery.

The Fertitta Community Center is located at 1501 North Las Vegas Boulevard near Owens.

The Southern Nevada American Red Cross needs plenty of volunteers. You can reach them at 791-3311.

For those who want to donate an apartment, condo or house to an evacuated family, you can call 366-2100. This phone number is for permanent housing only.

For those who want to offer a room in your home, you need to contact Catholice Charities at 387-2297.

Hurricane survivors looking for local job placement and financial information, please click here for the Eyewitness News Katrina Evacuees: Starting Over resource page.

More than 400,000 people have registered with FEMA. To receive assistance, evacuees can do so online or on the phone. Click here for the FEMA: Latest Gulf Coast Information link.

Contact Reporter Adrian Arambulo