Disaster Outreach Gathering in Anniston Saturday
Release Date: October 19, 2005
Release Number: 1605-072
» More Information on Alabama Hurricane Katrina
MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and a wide range of Hurricane Katrina recovery assistance groups will be out in force at a special community outreach event in Anniston , Saturday afternoon, October 22, from noon to 5:00 p.m.
The event, to be held in the open space next to the Noble Training Center , 490 Care Drive , Fort McClellan , is designed to be an informal gathering where recovery specialists can meet area residents and displaced evacuees in a relaxed setting to discuss disaster-related needs.
Senior Deputy Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Bolch said the loosely structured approach would give anyone with disaster-related needs in the area a chance to talk face-to-face with recovery providers. "We want people to get helpful information firsthand, not through the rumor mill," Bolch said. " We'll listen, give answers, provide guidance and encouragement and put people in touch with people and programs that can help with distinct needs."
State Coordinating Officer Bruce Baughman said, "This outreach effort illustrates that Alabama is serious about helping people with their recovery." Baughman said the event has received participation commitments from a score of recovery providers within the Anniston community, voluntary organizations, faith-based groups and representatives from local, state, and federal agencies.
A mobile state/FEMA Disaster Recovery Center will be on-site where disaster-affected individuals and families can check the status of an existing application and get information on recovery programs including housing assistance, individual and household grants, and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest loans for homeowners, renters and businesses.
Also on-site will be a walk-through travel trailer, identical to nearly 1,500 units that are being used in 13 state parks and other locations across Alabama as interim housing for nearly 4,500 people. The Noble Training Center is currently the interim home for nearly 100 displaced Katrina evacuees. Another nearby site, the Starship facility, has been refurbished under Governor Riley's 'Operation Golden Rule' initiative, as potential interim housing.
Tyson Foods Inc. is donating prepared food for event attendees. Other community and private-sector groups have indicated interest in possible participation to highlight services available to hurricane survivors.
A current list of invited groups and organizations include (alphabetical): Adventist Community Services, Alabama departments of Human Resources, Mental Health, Industrial Relations, Alabama Emergency Management Agency, American Red Cross, the City of Anniston, Anniston area churches, Anniston Army Depot, Anniston Housing Authority, Anniston United Way, Armies of Compassion, FEMA, Head Start Program, Project Rebound, The Salvation Army, Second Harvest Food Bank, Social Security Administration; U.S. departments of: Agriculture-Rural Development, Education, Housing and Urban Development, Veterans Affairs, U.S. Small Business Administration and the West Anniston Foundation.
Officials urged anyone not previously registered to call toll-free 800-621-FEMA (3362) before visiting the event. Individuals with speech or hearing impairments who use special keyboard equipment (TTY) should call 800-462-7585 . The lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, until further notice. Multilingual operators can assist applicants in many languages. Registration via the Internet is available at www.fema.gov .
FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 19-Oct-2005 09:29:53