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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 7, 2005

Contact: James P. McNabb
Columbia/Boone County Emergency Management
(573) 874-7400 

Local Katrina assistance resources

(Columbia, MO) - Central Missouri social service agencies continue to
participate in relief efforts for evacuees of the areas affected by
Hurricane Katrina. At this time, it is not known how many evacuees will
temporarily or permanently relocate to central Missouri and how it will
affect the community. However, area agencies are collaborating to serve
the needs of those who do. 
*	Monetary donations can be made to the Salvation Army, American
Red Cross or other agencies providing disaster relief. If you would like
your donation to be used locally, write "local disaster relief" on
the memo line. Financial contributions will be used to assist displaced
persons with temporary housing at local hotels, prescription and medical
needs, transportation and communication needs.
*	Donations of Goods - Local efforts are being coordinated to
determine clothing and furniture needs of displaced persons. Clothing
and furniture donations should be held until further notice from the
Salvation Army about needs and community drop-off and distribution
sites.
*	Food Donations - Non-perishable food items can be dropped off at
the Central Missouri Food Bank at 2101 Vandiver Dr. or at participating
grocery stores. 
*	Housing - The American Red Cross (573-445-9411) has a shelter
open for immediate needs. For temporary or transitional housing
availability, contact Carol Van Gorp at the Columbia Board of Realtors,
446-2400. 
*	Red Cross - Any private groups or organizations that are
assisting evacuees are strongly encouraged to contact the Red Cross
Service Center/Shelter at 445-9411. This will ensure that evacuees
receive comprehensive services to meet all of their immediate needs.
*	Columbia Public Schools (CPS) - CPS are accepting students who
were displaced due to Hurricane Katrina. If families do not have
immunization records, they will still be allowed to enroll. For more
information on enrollment, contact CPS at 573-214-3400.
*	Health - The Columbia/Boone County Health Department is working
with area agencies to provide evacuees assistance with WIC services,
immunizations and medical referrals/visits. The Health Department is
providing a public health nurse for assessments at the Red Cross Service
Center during operational hours. Health Department staff will also
continue to monitor health status and perform any disease investigation
should it become necessary. For more information regarding
health-related assistance, call the Health Department at (573) 874-7356.

*	Employment - A number of local employment agencies and employers
have indicated an interest placing evacuees in jobs. Information on
those agencies is available from the City of Columbia's Office of
Volunteer Services at 874-7504 or at www.GoColumbiaMo.com. 

Additional information for both evacuees and residents who wish to help
can be found at www.GoColumbiaMo.com or by calling the Boone County
Chapter of the American Red Cross at 573-445-9411.

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