|
Governor Ernie Fletcher’s Communication Office
Governor Ernie Fletcher calls on faith-based organizations to partner with Division of Emergency Management to assist hurricane evacuees in Kentucky
Toll-free hotline established for housing assistance for hurricane relief
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Governor Ernie Fletcher is calling on faith-based organizations to contact state emergency management agencies to coordinate disaster relief efforts through the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management.
“Many churches and other organizations have opened their doors to provide a place to eat and sleep to evacuees coming to Kentucky,” said Governor Fletcher. “And with the need expected to grow in the coming weeks, I’m calling on faith-based organizations to coordinate efforts through our emergency management offices to make sure the evacuees are getting the care and attention they need.”
The statewide donation hotline established for the victims of Hurricane Katrina can now coordinate emergency sheltering for evacuees. If organizations can house disaster evacuees, Kentucky Emergency Management ask that they call the hotline at 1-800-618-1689, and its volunteers will coordinate this with any evacuees located in Kentucky.
“This is another example of how Kentucky Emergency Management uses its ability to link resources with needs,” said Major General Donald C. Storm, Adjutant General for Kentucky. “I encourage the citizens of our great state to do all they can and use our statewide hotline to make it happen.”
The ongoing relief effort associated with Hurricane Katrina involves dozens of agencies outside of state and federal government. Many of these are faith-based organizations stepping up to assist in whatever role is needed. General Maxwell “Clay” Bailey, director of Kentucky Division of Emergency Management, expressed gratitude for the efforts these organizations put forth.
“These good folks work tirelessly in their efforts, and for that I personally would like to say, thanks,” Bailey said. “We would like to ask these organizations to help get the message out to those evacuees that are already in the state and to those that will be arriving, to register as soon as possible.”
Emergency officials also want to remind evacuees that they must register as soon as possible with their local American Red Cross chapter and with FEMA.
NUMBERS TO CALL TO REGISTER:
AMERICAN RED CROSS: 1-800-HELP NOW
FEMA: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)
Hearing or speech impaired please call 1-800-462-7585
EVACUEES MUST REGISTER IN ORDER TO BE ELGIBLE FOR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE!
If you would like to participate in the form of donation, shelter or volunteer help, please contact your local church, American Red Cross chapter, or the Kentucky Emergency Management Donation Hotline @ 1-800-618-1689.
Kentucky Emergency Management officials remind those interested in volunteering not to head south without proper coordination. Those who travel without first receiving direction and proper credentials are likely to be turned away by authorities.
Individuals wanting to make donations are asked to consider doing so through their favorite charitable organization.
Steve Oglesby, who serves as the Kentucky volunteer agency liaison and donations management coordinator, is the point of contact. He can be reached at (502) 607-1647.
In addition, state officials urge those who were displaced by Hurricane Katrina, or know of someone who is an evacuee, to call the hotline in order to coordinate proper housing arrangements.
Following is a list of charitable agencies, which are coordinating efforts with the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management.
American Red Cross
Franklin County Chapter
318 Washington Street
Frankfort, KY 40601
Email: arcfranklin@redcrossfrankfort.org <mailto:arcfranklin@redcrossfrankfort.org>
Phone: 502-223-1795
Fax: 502-223-8380
Web site: http://www.redcrossfrankfort.org
Angel Flight
Point of contact: Steve Patterson
Phone: 866-380-1910
Email: steve@angel-flight.org <mailto:steve@angel-flight.org>
MISSION: Organization consists of private pilots with their own planes that provide over flights and high priority cargo.
Council of Churches
Point of contact: Chris Skidmore
Phone: 859-269-7715
Email: kidrp@kycouncilofchurches.org <mailto:kidrp@kycouncilofchurches.org>
MISSION: Fund raising organization and coordinating organization.
Christian Appalachian Project
Point of contact: Sherry Buresh
Phone: 606-308-9234
Email: sburesh@chrisapp.org <mailto:sburesh@chrisapp.org>
MISSION: Organization has warehouse of cleaning supplies, repair materials and will assist MS, AL and LA once KY operations are cleared.
Indiana/Kentucky Conference United Church of Christ
Point of contact: Mariana Speller
Phone: 317-409-3993
EMAIL: louismaryanna@juno.com <mailto:louismaryanna@juno.com>
MISSION: Organization provides long-term recovery to include clean up kits and clean up support to include personnel.
KY ReAct (Radio Emergency Associated Communication Teams)
Point of contact: Tom Curry
Phone: 502-935-5113
Email: n4aof@arrl.net
MISSION: Amateur radio operators and can provide emergency communications.
Salvation Army
Point of contact: Jim Garrett
Phone: 502-671-4920
MISSION: Salvation Army can provide mobile canteens and clean up kits. They have approximately 2000 packaged meals on hand and cleaning supplies. They also provide pastoral care.
The Salvation Army - Kentucky/Tennessee Divisional Headquarters
214-216 W. Chestnut Street
Louisville, KY 40202
Phone: 502-583-5391
Fax: 502-625-1199
The Salvation Army of the Central Kentucky Area
736 W. Main Street
Lexington, KY 40509
Phone: 859-252-7706
United Methodist Committee on Relief
Point of contact: Charles Douglas
Phone: 606-436-3513
Cell: 606-438-1014
Email: bmumc@alltell.net
MISSION: Organization provides early response team with an early response vehicle with generators and 8-9 people who can do debris removal and early assessment. They also do pastoral care.
|