Texas Gulf Coast Regional VOAD

Conference Call Minutes 9-30-05

Greg Patin served as moderator at the request of George Betz, who was not able to stay on the call.

Upcoming Meetings and Calls

• There will not be another TGCRVOAD call until next Tuesday, Oct. 4, at 12 noon.
• Texas Gulf Coast Regional VOAD will have a combined meeting with the United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast Katrina/Rita response on Monday, October 3 from 10 - 11:30 a.m. in the United Way Community Resource Center at 50 Waugh Drive.  Please have a representative of your agency there.

Red Cross Assistance has been turned on for Rita evacuees

• Orion Bell (Red Cross) reported that the Red Cross has turned on direct assistance for Rita evacuees and that these services are the same as those provided to Katrina evacuees.
• All Red Cross chapters have been provided with a list of affected zip codes so that any chapter can service cases.
• Evacuees are encouraged contact the nearest Red Cross chapter, wherever they are, so that they can be served in person.
• Some additional service centers may be set up if the local Red Cross facilities are not large enough.
• A list of Texas Red Cross chapters and branch locations will be distributed to TGCRVOAD members in the near future.
• Go to www.redcross.org to access a press release regarding the Red Cross’ policies on continuing transient accommodations and financial assistance for Katrina and Rita evacuees.

Red Cross phone numbers

• For general information, call 1-800-GET-INFO.
• For financial assistance, call 1-800- 975 7585.

Neighbors2Neighbors

• N2N still needs more volunteers to welcome new evacuee families to the area.