Katrina Disaster Relief Effort

[Kurt]

A Red Cross "Host Shelter" for Hurricane Katrina evacuees opened in DeFuniak Springs. The shelter is located in the DeFuniak Springs National Guard Armory on North 9th Street. The American Red Cross has advised that the previously published hotline number (866) GET-HELP has been overwhelmed by calls requesting information on families in the storm-affected area.



The Red Cross will be providing direct assistance to disaster clients in reaching their families as those clients are sheltered.

The (866) GET-HELP number will no longer provide welfare inquiry assistance.



In the event there is a medical or mental health emergency and someone in the impacted area needs to be located or contacted, families here in Walton County should contact the Crestview branch of the American Red Cross, (850) 682-3356.

 

[Kurt]

Harvest House, a non-profit ministry at the corner of Mountain Drive and Marler Street in downtown Destin, will provide food or clothing to residents of Mississippi, Alabama or Louisiana. Proof of storm area residency will be required. No cash assistance available.

To donate shoes, baby food, clothing, food or other items, call 837-9889.

 

[Kurt]

Okaloosa County has opened up a shelter in Crestview to accommodate the many victims of Hurricane Katrina that were forced to flee from New Orleans, Biloxi and other affected areas.

The Central Baptist Church at 951 S. Ferdon Boulevard is open for out-of-state evacuees only. Shelter officials have been instructed to ask for identification that proves where individuals are from.

For more information, call (850) 699-9889 or the Red Cross at (800) GET-HELP.

 

[Kurt]

Superintendent Don Gaetz has offered to accept displaced students from Louisiana and Mississippi in Okaloosa County schools. The Okaloosa County School District Office of Community Affairs is working as coordinators for information and referral services to assist any displaced families. For more information contact the OCSD Community Affairs department at (850) 833-7614 or visit online at www.dongaetz@mail.okaloosa.k12.fl.us.

 

[Kurt]

The American Red Cross opened a shelter at the Bay County Fairgrounds on Tuesday, Aug. 30 to assist Hurricane Katrina victims that have evacuated to the Bay County area. Red Cross officials ask hurricane victims to bring with them bedding and other necessities such as medications, snacks and toys. Anyone wishing to stay at the shelter must bring identification showing that they reside in the affected area. The shelter is located at 2230 E. 15th St. in Panama City. If you would like to provide assistance to the Red Cross, you may caontact them at (850) 763-6587.

 

[Kurt]

The U.S. Post office will post information about mail in the affected areas at www.usps.com or www.usps.gov.



Click on "Hurricane Katrina Service Updates."

 

[Kurt]

Destiny Worship Center, 122 Poinciana Blvd., Miramar, is serving free dinners, 5 - 6 p.m., Monday - Friday (beginning Sept. 5) to anyone with out-of-town drivers license. The playground will also be open before and after the dinner hour. Near the Silver Sands Factory Stores, (850) 650-6800.

 

[Kurt]

In Walton County - free internet access is available at Beach Java in Seagrove Beach at Grand Isle shops, Miss Lucille's at Gulf Place, The Walton County Library on Hwy331.

Displaced residents from Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana, as well as those from Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties in northwest Florida, who have been forced to evacuate their homes as a result of Hurricane Katrina will be able to access the Internet and email using computer resources at all Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative libraries.


Public libraries in Crestview, Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Mary Esther, Niceville and Valparaiso are making their computers available to all evacuees at no charge. Please call or visit the libraries listed below for hours of operation or more information.



Crestview Public Library ? 1445 Commerce Drive, Crestview ? 682-4432

Destin Library ? 150 Sibert Ave., Destin ? 837-8572

Fort Walton Beach Public Library ? 185 Miracle Strip Pkwy, Fort Walton Beach ? 833-9590

Mary Esther Public Library ? 100 Hollywood Blvd. West, Mary Esther ? 243-5731

Niceville Library ? 206 N. Partin Drive, Niceville ? 729-4070

Valparaiso Community Library ? 459 Valparaiso Pkwy., Valparaiso ? 729-5406

 

[Kurt]

The Destin Fire Control District and the Destin Professional Firefighters invite displaced families and individuals from Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana to an afternoon of free food, fun and entertainment for adults and children from 1?5 p.m. Sept. 4 at the Destin Fire Control District, Station 9, 848 Airport Road. For directions, call 837-8413.

 

[Kurt]

The Okaloosa County Health Department has services available for evacuees. Walk-in services include sick children services and immunizations. For hours of operation and information, call 833-9240 in Fort Walton Beach and 689-7808 in Crestview. For other medical needs, contact nearest Urgent Care or hospital.