Alabama Agencies Extend Services to Katrina Victims
Release Date: October 4, 2005
Release Number: 1605-051
» More Information on Alabama Hurricane Katrina
MONTGOMERY , AL. -- Over a month ago, Hurricane Katrina devastated most of the Gulf Coast region with dangerous winds, hammering rains and powerful coastal surges destroying many communities. Local, federal and state agencies are working together to provide Alabama residents resources as they rebuild their lives. A directory of collaborative aid programs illustrates the wide range of assistance.
Alabama Emergency Management Agency -- State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are open in several parts of the state to assist residents and displaced Hurricane Katrina evacuees. To speed the process, residents should register with FEMA as soon as possible at 800-621-FEMA (3362), keep appointments and return forms promptly. The web site www.fema.gov provides further information.
Child Support -- A toll free number for questions about child support checks is 800-951-1274. Displaced victims should only use this number. Child support checks considered undeliverable will be forwarded when an address has been given to the Post Office. The check will be returned to the Alabama Department of Human Resources if there is not a forwarding address. The email address is childsupportstorm@dhr.state.al.us .
Crisis Counseling -- Several resources are available for crisis counseling beginning with local Red Cross chapters or shelters, which have trained mental health workers available. Funded under FEMA's Crisis Counseling Program, Project Rebound,is managed by the Alabama Department of Mental Health. People with disaster-related stress may call toll-free 800-367-0955 anytime, seven days a week. After 5 p.m., any messages left on the answering machine will be forwarded for the attention of after-hours staff. The Statewide Crisis Counseling at 800-832-0952 will answer calls from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline for Katrina survivors is 800-273-TALK or 800-273-8255. The hotline is for anyone suffering from the emotional effects of the disaster. The Department of Health and Human Services lists other mental health and disaster counseling resources at: www.hhs.gov/katrina .
Donations accepted -- A Hurricane Katrina hotline is available for those who wish to volunteer or give donations to the victims in Alabama . To donate goods, contribute money and services call 877-273-5018. The web site is www.servealabama.gov .
Education (adult) -- Out of state evacuees currently enrolled in a community college in their home state may enroll in a community college in Alabama free of charge. For information call 866-767-8103 or in Montgomery call 334-242-2900. Adult education, GED testing, and short-term job training programs are also available at no charge. Examples of training include welding, computer training, office careers and automotive repair. For further information call 334-242-2900 or visit the web site at www.acs.cc.al.us .
Environmental -- The Alabama Department of Environmental Management has deployed engineers and scientists to the Gulf Coast to aid in cleanup and assessment of water systems to maintain safe drinking water supplies in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. Questions about household hazardous waste or other hazardous material that may be on your property resulting from Hurricane Katrina should be directed to 334-271-7700 or visit the web site at www.adem.state.al.us or www.epa.gov/katrina .
Family Planning Services -- The Alabama Department of Public Health is assisting Alabama disaster victims as well as Louisiana and Mississippi evacuees with free services at the family planning clinics statewide. Anyone affected by Hurricane Katrina and in need of family planning services, should call 800-545-1098 or visit a local health department clinic. The toll-free number for PLAN first is 888-737-2083.
Food Assistance/WIC -- The Alabama Department of Public Health will provide WIC (Women's, Infants and Children Supplemental Nutrition Program) to qualified families. For an Electronic Benefit Transaction (EBT) call 866-465-2285. All children displaced from their homes are eligible for free lunch at the school they attend. Contact the child's school officials, teacher or childcare provider for more information. Pregnant woman, new mothers, infants and children under five, displaced by Hurricane Katrina, can apply for the WIC program. Alabama disaster victims should contact the Alabama WIC state agency at 800-654-1385 or website: www.adph.org/wic .
Food Stamp Assistance -- The state food stamp program is providing food stamps to displaced victims. This assistance has been extended until Oct 31, 2005. For further information, contact 800-221-5689 or web site www.sns.usda.gov/ssp ,
Fraud -- Hurricane Katrina disaster victims or donors can become victims of fraud or criminal price gouging. The Alabama Bar Association has partnered with Legal Services of Alabama to provide cost free attorneys on site at DRC's to assist hurricane victims with issues such as; landlord/tenant disputes, credit issues, home repair fraud, etc. The Alabama Disaster Assistance Hotline for Legal Services is 800-354-6154. Federal fraud claims/complaints involving FEMA/ Federal Funds should contact the Office of Inspector General (OIG) at 800-323-8603 or e-mail dhsoighotline@dhs.gov . Individuals can call the Alabama Consumer Fraud Hotline at 800-392-5658; or visit the website at www.ago.state.al.us/consumer.cfm .
Health and Safety - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is offering tips on its web site on protective measures to take during cleanup and recovery. As communities recover from hurricane damage, Federal Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA) teams are mobilized in affected areas to make sure that damaged facilities and infrastructure will be restored in a safe and healthy way. For CDC information call 800-232-4636 or visit the web site at www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes or call OSHA at 202-693-1999 or visit the web site at www.osha.gov/OshDoc/hurricaneRecovery.
Housing Assistance -- FEMA and the state of Alabama are offering a variety of interim housing options to anyone currently residing in Alabama displaced by recent hurricanes. The options range from home or apartment rentals, hotel rooms and travel trailers to group facilities located throughout the state. Assistance for houses and apartments will cover up to three months of housing; qualified evacuees and displaced residents may obtain an extension for up to 18 months. Contact FEMA at 800-621-3362 or website at www.fema.gov.
Hotel and Motel Vouchers -- The American Red Cross offers vouchers for accommodations at hundreds of participating Alabama hotels and motels. For information on this program, call 866-438-4636 or visit the website at www.redcross.org .
Housing -- Thirteen State Park Campgrounds offer RV sites and travel trailers. Visit www.alapark.com/parks/trailers.cfm for directions, park news, and contact telephone numbers.
Housing and Urban Development -- HUD has established a single toll-free housing hotline 888-297-8685 for victims of Hurricane Katrina for all housing concerns. HUD has partnered with the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the National Association of Counties to identify available resource to temporarily house displaced families. Further information is available at www.hud.com .
Interim Housing --Three interim housing sites within the state of Alabama provide transitional housing for displaced individuals and families:
Birmingham Interim Housing Facility 205 -833-7410
7916 2nd Ave. South
Birmingham
Noble Training Center 256-231-0215
294 DeKalb St .
Ft. McClellan
Starship Facility 256-847-2991
254 Halifax Ave. Bldg. 2099
Anniston
Jobs (temporary) For Clean-up, Restoration, Relief Efforts -- Unemployed individuals are eligible to apply for work in the Alabama declared disaster counties to help with clean up, and restoration of public areas. Applicants should apply at the nearest career center or register at www.joblink.alabama.gov . Call 877-872-5627 or (TTY) 877-889-5627.
Job training for displaced victims -- Federal grants have provided for short-term training to help displaced victims seeking new job skills in one of Alabama 's high-growth occupations. For more information, call 866- 767-8103 or visit the web site at, www.owd.alabama.gov ,
Labor Assistance Programs -- The U.S. Department of Labor, working in conjunction with the Alabama Office of Workforce Development, is offering immediate income assistance to workers displaced by the recent hurricanes. Call 866-234-5382 or visit the web site at www.owd.alabama.gov .
Loan Applications -- The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) may be able to help homeowners, renters and businesses recover and rebuild through low interest disaster loans. To begin the application process call 800-621-3362 or visit the web site at www.sba.gov .
Medicare and Medicaid -- Federal Medicaid officials are working closely with state Medicaid agencies to coordinate payment agreements for recipients who are living outside their home states. Hurricane Katrina evacuees with Louisiana or Mississippi Medicaid coverage are now eligible to apply for temporary Medicaid coverage in Alabama without losing eligibility in their home states. For further information on claim filing or eligibility, contact 800-362-1504 or visit the web site at www.medicaid.state.al.us .
Rehabilitation Services -- The Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services has set up a toll-free number for hurricane victims with disabilities or persons who have life-threatening conditions (example: cystic fibrosis). Call 800-846-3697 or visit the web site at www.rehab.state.al.us .
Senior Assistance -- The first priority of the Alabama Department of Senior Services (ADSS) is to provide services to help seniors recover from the effects of Hurricane Katrina. Those services include transportation, meals, outreach, supplies, emergency medications, home repairs, trauma counseling, and other critical services. Seniors can call 334-242-5743 or toll-free number 800-243-5463 for assistance or visit the website at www.adss.state.al.us .
Taxes -- Storm survivors who suffered losses in Hurricane Katrina may be eligible for federal, state and local tax relief to reduce some of their losses. Alabama businesses may file claims with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) for payment of federal excise taxes paid on alcoholic beverages or tobacco products lost. The IRS has also established a toll free-hot line for hurricane victims at 866-562-5227. To calculate a federal casualty loss deduction, visit website at www.irs.gov .
Unemployment -- Individuals needing to file claims can register with the Alabama State Employment Service. The self-employed and farm workers may also be eligible for assistance. To file an unemployment claim call: 866-234-5382 or (TTY) 800-499-2035. For inquiries/questions related to unemployment 800-361-4524
Veterans -- Displaced veterans in need of health care and information on their veteran benefits should contact Veterans Services at 800-956-0787 or visit the web site www.va.state.al.us . Many veterans hospitals in Alabama have outreach teams in the hospitals to identify and assist veterans and VA employees. Business centers are available for veterans to use for banking, insurance claims, Red Cross and FEMA assistance. The Central Alabama Veterans Affairs Medical Center can be of assistance to hurricane survivors and evacuees. Call 800-214-8387 ext. 8 or visit the website at www1.va.gov/opa/Katrina.
Volunteer -- A Volunteer hotline has been established for Hurricane Katrina volunteers. To volunteer, call 877-273-5018. The web site is www.servealabama.gov.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 04-Oct-2005 10:32:36