Waco Event Cancellations

Waco Convention Center announced that the following scheduled events
for this weekend have been cancelled: Waco Wild West Century Bike Ride,
Balloon Glow, Waco Cultural Arts Fest, Sickle Cell Banquet.

NOTICE Regarding HURRICANE RITA evacuees

Subject: Waco Relief Effort update

Status Update as of September 22nd at 2:30pm from
Waco-McLennan County Emergency Management

NOTICE Regarding HURRICANE RITA evacuees: The City of Waco has opened five shelters to receive people from the Gulf Coast of Texas and is
addressing the special needs of these evacuees. In addition to City recreation
staff, the American Red Cross is providing food, staffing and support needs.
The State of Texas has indicated that everyone should be out of the
impacted areas and in shelters by 6:00pm today (Thursday).
Information to help evacuees from the Texas Gulf Coast find a place to
stay can be found on the City's web site or the Convention & Visitors Center
website at www.wacocvb.com .
The Waco-McLennan County Emergency Management Office (EOC) is now in 24
hour activation. It is in communication with State and all other county
emergency management offices via conference calls each day. As part of the
emergency response plan for special need evacuees, Waco Transit is providing
required transportation.


People who need sheltering must first call 254-750-5911 to receive
current information on availability of space before going to any of these
shelters.

Locations of local shelters:
Bledsoe Miller Recreation Center - 300 MLK Jr. Drive - 750-8684
South Waco Recreation Center - 2815 Speight - 750-8650
Dewey Recreation Center - 925 N. 9th St. - 750-8677
Cameron Park Club House - 2601 Sturgis
Harrison Community Center - 772-9317
The Sul Ross Community Center and Multipurpose Center are also being
used for specific special needs.

The South Waco Library will remain open until 9pm Thursday and Friday
nights to allow evacuees who are being sheltered in the adjacent South Waco
Recreation Center to have access to their computers and other
resources.

Green Family Camp in Bruceville is receiving evacuees and as of this
update had 100 evacuees and a potential of receiving 200 more as referred by
Waco-McLennan County Emergency Management. We understand that Latham
Springs Camp is full.

Evacuees who have horses to board can call Hyde Markum at 254-723-4011
or Dave Stewart at 254-709-2196.

Waco-McLennan County Public Health District staff along with Waco Fire
Rescue are visiting each of the shelters to attend to and monitor
special health and medical needs of evacuees.
Evacuees who are bringing their dogs or cats that need to have them
boarded while staying at a shelter can call 752-3369.

The Texas Highway Department is working with local communities on
routes out of the impacted areas. Road signs have been placed along routes
showing the capacity of a community to provide sheltering. As a community's
sheltering capacity is met, evacuees are advised, via road signs, to continue on
the route until the next community is reached.

Waco Convention Center announced that the following scheduled events
for this weekend have been cancelled: Waco Wild West Century Bike Ride,
Balloon Glow, Waco Cultural Arts Fest, Sickle Cell Banquet.

Specific Need Request: Robinson Garden Drive Apartments has an
immediate need for 22 air mattresses to use for Hurricane Rita evacuees staying
temporarily at their facility. If you can help call 662-3550.

At this time no resources or requests for specific donations have been
requested to support the relief efforts of Hurricane Rita. As the
needs arise, they will be passed on via these media updates and other
releases.

As the direction of travel of the storm is determined, citizens are
asked to be prepared for sustained winds from 35-60 miles an hour and heavy
rain.
City officials continue to prepare for disruption of electrical power,
downed trees, flooded streets or other issues. Essential things to
have in an event of such a storm are: Flashlight, pre-cooked food, and a
battery powered radio or tv. The safest place to be is in your home, away from
windows if the storm is blowing strong. Never attempt to drive or
cross through moving water that may be deeper than it looks. Children should
be told not to play in creeks or places where water flows.

Mayor Virginia DuPuy has visited each of the active shelters and
extended a Waco welcome to evacuees and assured them of the City's commitment to
provide for their immediate needs. She plans to revisit the shelters
several times throughout the weekend.
The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame, the Texas Sports Hall of Fame and other
local attractions are offering special discount admission tickets for use by
Hurricane Rita evacuees to help them enjoy their time in Waco.

Central United Methodist Church has accepted eight evacuees, through
their membership, to shelter. They are not accepting any more for sheltering.
Waco Christian Fellowship reports that they are sheltering 48 residents
from a retirement home along with their 12 staff members. They also still
have 29 Katrina evacuees.
The Greater Robinson Relief Center is temporarily sheltering 25 people
from Hurricane Rita.

Waco ISD reports one new student for a total of 66 students, Midway has
26, and Robinson has 2.

Over 100 evacuees from Hurricane Katrina visited the "One Stop Shop"
provided by The City of Waco and Waco-McLennan County Emergency
Management at the Waco Convention Center on Wednesday. Evacuees were able to talk
in person with representatives from a number of federal, state and local
agencies to help them reestablish their lives.

The Salvation Army canteens not deployed in Louisiana and Mississippi
are being prepared for deployment along the Texas coast. Cash donations
are needed and can be made by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY or online at
www.salvationarmyusa.org , or at the
local Salvation Army location at 500 S. 4th Street in Waco. Please designate
your gift for "Disaster Katrina" or "Rita".

A transcript of this report and all other daily updates along with
information and other local and national resource information for help
are being added regularly to the City's web site. By going to
www.waco-texas.com you will find several links for information on the communities efforts and the nation. Citizen volunteers are encouraged to print out these
resource web pages to provide to evacuees that they are serving and who do not
have web access. The city will be happy to provide as many printed copies
as may be needed by calling 750-5636.

Anyone who comes into our community that needs sheltering, please call
750-5911.

This update is as of September 22nd at 2:30pm. These updates will
continue to be issued daily until all known evacuees are placed in permanent
housing and no locally operated shelters are in operation. To submit
information to be considered for these reports email Larryh@ci.waco.tx.us or call
750-5636 and leave the desired information.
###

Waco Area Status Update as of September 20th and 21st

Status Update as of September 20th at 2:30pm from
Waco-McLennan County Emergency Management

Central United Methodist Church reports they now have a total of nine
and they are still working on getting them properly placed in more
permanent housing.
Waco Christian Fellowship reports the same 27 but are making plans to
move them in to more permanent housing soon.

We are not aware of any other churches or groups providing sheltering
of evacuees at this time. All are providing long term housing for those
who have come in to our community.

Waco ISD reports 61 students enrolled, Midway has 22, Robinson has 4.

*** IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL evacuees:
Wednesday, September 21st, from 9am to 9pm, the City of Waco and
Waco-McLennan County Emergency Management officials are providing a
"One Stop Shop" of information for local evacuees at the Waco Convention
Center.
Evacuees who need assistance in receiving state and federal government
benefits or have other questions can find all these agencies
represented in one room during these hours. Arrangements have been made for the
following agencies to be present:

U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services, Waco Transit, FEMA, Caritas,
American Red Cross, Waco Housing Authority, Waco McLennan co. Public
Health District, Salvation Army, Social Security, HOT Workforce, U.S. Postal
Service, Texas Health & Human Services, Texas DPS, Heart of Texas
Region MHMR, Heart of Texas Council of Governments Area Agency on Aging, Texas
Health & Human Services office of Eligibility Services, EOAC, McLennan
County Welfare Dept. Indigent Health Care, Veterans Affairs, and Adult
Protective Services of the State of Texas, Waco ISD, Foster Family,
Texas Department of Insurance, Child Care Licensing, and Mission Waco. Other
agencies have indicated a desire to attend and participate.

The Greater Robinson Relief Center reports they are not housing anyone
at this time in their facility.

Louisiana residents who need copies of their birth certificates can
apply at the Waco-McLennan County Public Health District. Fees will be waved
and Louisiana officials will over night them for free. Call 750-5468 for
assistance.

The Waco Tribune Herald still has crayons, notebooks and other school
supplies available for area students. Call 757-5791 to inquire.

The United Methodist Church is sponsoring a relief drop on Friday, Sept
23rd and Saturday, Sept 24th at the old Target Store on Hwy 6 and Sanger
from 9am-3pm. Items collected will go to the Sager Brown Depot in Baldwin,
Louisiana for distribution. Items they need included: Hygiene kits,
Bottled Water, Blankets, Work Gloves, Chain saws, Heavy brooms, shovels and
other items needed to clean up. No clothing is needed at this time. Please
pack the items as much as you can in boxes for packing on the truck.
Volunteers who want to help can contact Rev. Bob Maxwell at bnfmaxwell2@msn.com
.

Salvation Army Urgent Needs: Urgent need for donations of good, clean
furniture, appliances, pots, pans, dishes, and other items needed to
set up housekeeping. Take items to 500 S. 4th Street or call 753-2043 for
pickup. No clothing is needed.

Time Warner Cable is offering two months of free standard cable service
and no installation service on phone service to identifiable Katrina
evacuees. They have also provided free services to several shelters.

Update regarding potential impact from Hurricane Rita:
The Waco McLennan County Public Health District along with the
Waco-McLennan County Emergency Management office has identified Special Need shelters as may be needed to respond to persons coming in to our area as hurricane
Rita approaches the Gulf coast. In addition to the daily conference calls
with the State office of Emergency Management regarding hurricane Katrina,
another daily call will take place dealing with Hurricane Rita. The
State is reviewing the capacity to shelter throughout Texas if the coast line
near Houston is impacted. By 2pm today the State activated its full
Emergency plan for responding to hurricanes that hit our coast line. The Waco
area remains prepared to receive evacuees as directed by state officials.
Depending on the path of the storm and where it impacts the coastline,
decisions will be made to properly respond to the needs of displaced
victims. Some people may come into our area as they voluntarily leave
their homes. A "Gulf Coast Evacuees" button is now on the City's web site
as well as the Convention and Visitors site to help people locate hotel
rooms as they move into our area until the storm passes.
Anyone who comes into our community that needs sheltering, please call
750-5911.

A transcript of this report and all other daily updates along with
information and other local and national resource information for help
are being added regularly to the City's web site. By going to
www.waco-texas.com you will find several links for information on the communities efforts and the nation. Citizen volunteers are encouraged to print out these
resource web pages to provide to evacuees that they are serving and who do not
have web access. The city will be happy to provide as many printed copies
as may be needed by calling 750-5636.

This update is as of September 20th at 2:30pm. These updates will
continue to be issued daily until all known evacuees are placed in permanent
housing and no locally operated shelters are in operation. To submit
information to be considered for these reports email Larryh@ci.waco.tx.us or call
750-5636 and leave the desired information.
###

---

Status Update as of September 21st at 2:30pm from
Waco-McLennan County Emergency Management
NOTICE Regarding HURRICANE RITA evacuees: The City of Waco has opened a
temporary shelter in the Bledsoe-Miller Recreation Center at 300 MLK
Drive to receive people from the Gulf Coast of Texas and is prepared to open
others as the need arises. The American Red Cross is assisting with
additional support needs. Most will only be here until the storm passes
and will want to return as soon as possible. Because all hotel rooms are
booked throughout most of Texas, the local hotels along with the Convention
and Visitors Information Center at I-35 and MLK (near the Texas Ranger
Museum) have information and maps to help direct anyone entering our area to
find the shelter that is receiving evacuees. Information to help evacuees
from the Texas Gulf Coast find a place to stay can be found on the City's
website or the Convention & Visitors Center website at www.wacocvb.com
. The Waco-McLennan County office of
Emergency Management is in communication with State and all other county
emergency management offices via conference calls currently being held three
times a day. Waco Transit also has the sheltering information to give anyone
coming in to Waco via Greyhound Bus.

At this time no resources have been requested to support the relief
efforts of Hurricane Rita. As the needs arise, they will be passed on via these
media updates and other releases.

As of this update, it is not clear where the storm will travel however
Waco area residents should be prepared for the aftermath of Hurricane Rita
to pass through our area sometime late Saturday or early Sunday morning.
Current estimates indicate we could have sustained winds from 40-60
miles an hour and heavy rain. City officials are prepared to deal with
disruption of electrical power, downed trees, flooded streets or other issues.
Essential things to have in an event of such a storm are: Flashlight,
pre-cooked food, and a battery powered radio or tv. The safest place
to be is in your home, away from windows if the storm is blowing strong.
Never attempt to drive or cross through moving water that may be deeper than
it looks. Children should be told not to play in creeks or places where
water flows.

The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame, the Texas Sports Hall of Fame and other
local attractions are offering special discount admission tickets for use by
Hurricane Rita evacuees to help them enjoy their time in Waco.

Hurricane Katrina update:

A call to Central United Methodist Church revealed that the seven
remaining people they have been sheltering have moved to Waco Christian
Fellowship. These seven are expected to be in permanent housing by Monday. Central
UMC no longer has any one at their facility.

Waco Christian Fellowship reports that they have placed several people
in permanent housing reducing their count to 17 but have now received ten
more for a total as of this update of 27 being sheltered. We are not aware
of any other churches or groups providing sheltering of evacuees at this time.
All are providing long term housing for those who have come in to our
community.

Waco ISD reports four new students for 65 students, Midway now has 26,
and Robinson has 4.

*** IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL evacuees:
The City of Waco and Waco-McLennan County Emergency Management
office's "One Stop Shop" of information for local evacuees at the Waco
Convention Center will remain open today (Wednesday) until 9PM. Evacuees who need
assistance in receiving state and federal government benefits or have
other questions can find all these agencies represented in one room during
these hours. Arrangements have been made for the following agencies to be
present:

U.S. CITIZENSHIP & IMMIGRATION SERVICES, WACO TRANSIT, FEMA, CARITAS,
AMERICAN RED CROSS, WACO HOUSING AUTHORITY, WACO MCLENNAN CO. PUBLIC
HEALTH DISTRICT, SALVATION ARMY, SOCIAL SECURITY, HEART OF TEXAS WORKFORCE,
U.S. POSTAL SERVICE, TEXAS HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES, TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF
PUBLIC SAFETY, HEART OF TEXAS REGION MHMR, HEART OF TEXAS COUNCIL OF
GOVERNMENTS AREA AGENCY ON AGING, TEXAS HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES OFFICE OF
ELIGIBILITY SERVICES, EOAC, McLENNAN COUNTY WELFARE DEPT. INDIGENT HEALTH CARE,
VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND ADULT PROTECTION SERVICES OF THE STATE OF TEXAS. Other
agencies have indicated a desire to attend and participate.

The Greater Robinson Relief Center has had a number of calls but as of
this report do not have any one in their facility.
United Way of Waco-McLennan County reports the following agency
responses that have happened that should be acknowledged (as of Sept 21st)
* American Red Cross (RoseMary Mayes): Sent volunteers to Lousiana
before hurricane hit; their four offices - Waco, Bryan, Temple, and
Kileen - have opened service centers and/or sheleters; have documented 2,444
cases and dispersed approximately $1,400,000
* The Arc (Tom Pearson): offering after school daycare to student
evacuees with developmental disabilities. Adult evacuees with cognitive
disabilities are invited to participate in The Arc's various programs
for adults
* Boys and Girls Clubs of Waco (Tina King, Hope Velasco): secured
sponsorships if needed for after-school and summer care for hurricane
victims
* Camp Fire (Deral Henderson): working to assimilate evacuee children
into local schools - especially Kendrick Elementary; has 10 children in
after-school care; providing counseling
* Caritas of Waco (Kenneth Moerbe): supporting local shelters with
goods; 35 evacuee families have come in for emergency assistance;
dispersed approximately 100,000 pounds of items through Gifts in Kind program to
35 agencies aiding hurricane evacuees
* Central Texas Youth Services (Keith Wallace): have four beds
reserved for children and youth who are victims of the hurricane;
providing counseling, information and referral services to families in Central
Texas who were displaced or affected
* Compassion Ministries (Jill McCall): provided clothing and bedding
to three affected families
* Family Abuse Center (Deidra Simmons): provided thrift store
vouchers; offering counseling and residential services; six shelters in
the hurricane affected area are closed, so Deidra is expecting people to
relocate to the Waco shelter
* Family Counseling and Children's Services (Robert Ward): counseled
two families indirectly impacted by the hurricane; ready to receive not
only hurricane victims but also those experiencing secondary trauma
* Family Practice Center (Clement Milam): set aside appointment times
for evacuees; have provided 60 patient visits
* The Freeman Center (Jonathan Trower, Board President): offering
counseling; opened transitional housing to one affected family
* Girl Scouts - Bluebonnet Council (Beth Vivio): girls are doing
fundraisers to help local agencies with their relief efforts; prepared
to offer their camp as shelter if needed.
* Kids & Company (Stacy Garvin): designated funds for tuition
assistance, and have offered at least one evacuee family enrollment and
tuition assistance.
* MHMR - HOT Region (Louis McGowan): screened several victims, two of
whom are receiving services and have been placed in their apartment
complex
* Salvation Army (Larry Root): Disaster Canteen was deployed to
hurricane affected areas; provide prescription assistance, food,
clothing, gas for job search, transportation to reunite families, household
items, rent deposits; 35 families (120 individuals) have received services
locally
* YMCA (Hyden Hunter): opened their Doris Miller Branch facility for
evacuees to shower, exercise, etc. for no charge

A transcript of this report and all other daily updates along with
information and other local and national resource information for help
are being added regularly to the City's web site. By going to
www.waco-texas.com you will find several links for information on the communities efforts and the nation. Citizen volunteers are encouraged to print out these
resource web pages to provide to evacuees that they are serving and who do not
have web access. The city will be happy to provide as many printed copies
as may be needed by calling 750-5636.

Anyone who comes into our community that needs sheltering, please call
750-5911.
This update is as of September 21st at 2:30pm. These updates will
continue to be issued daily until all known evacuees are placed in permanent
housing and no locally operated shelters are in operation. To submit
information to be considered for these reports email Larryh@ci.waco.tx.us or call
750-5636 and leave the desired information.
###

Cows in Bellmead.  

Waco Cultural Arts Festival this weekend

CANCELLATION DUE TO RITA We regret to announce that the festival has been cancelled until further notice due to Hurricane Rita.

More Information can be found on their website or by calling 772-2698.

Waco Area Hurricane Relief Update 9-17 and 9-19

Subject: Status Update as of September 17th at 2:00pm from



Waco-McLennan County Emergency Management

Waco Relief Effort status update as of September 17th at 2:00pm

As of today (Saturday) at 2:00 pm, we have not received any updates from any

of the churches providing temporary shelter for evacuees. Central United

Methodist Church last reported on Friday that they had 11 individuals in

their shelter. Waco Christian Fellowship last reported sheltering 23

individuals. A meeting will be held Tuesday, September 20th at 7pm in their

sanctuary at 405 Estates Drive, for people or churches wanting to provide

various levels of support for these evacuees as they are moved into

permanent housing. For more information call 772-9768.


Two FEMA representatives will be available throughout the weekend in the

local office of Waco McLennan County Emergency Management to answer

questions about requested FEMA processes as relating to individual

applicants. Call 750-5911 or the national FEMA Help line, 1-800-621-3362.

The City can now aid faith based groups who are paying rent for evacuees for

possible reimbursement. Certain requirements must be met. Please call

750-5911 for details.


Any other churches or individuals who are providing temporary sheltering for

hurricane Katrina evacuees are asked to please contact Emergency Management

at 750-5911 so we can properly register and provide for their needs and any

additional resources that become available.


Several other churches throughout the community are providing apartments and

resources to the families they will support for varying lengths of time.


Notice regarding weekend updates: Only information voluntarily submitted by

12 Noon each day to the email or phone contacts at the end of this report

will be considered for inclusion in Saturday and Sunday updates.


The Greater Robinson Relief Center has not reported to us regarding the

receiving of any evacuees for their facility. reports that all most all of

the rooms in the former elementary school have been adopted by churches and

individuals and are set up as "private-efficiency apartments". As of Friday

at 2:30pm, no one has arrived to be housed there. People interested in

locating in this facility should contact Jo Schlottmann at 662-9941 or

662-3188.


Donations and Resources:

Cash donations are still one of the easiest ways to help. They are being

accepted at the Waco Water Office at 425 Franklin Ave., and area Extraco

Banks. These funds will be given to American Red Cross to be dispersed as

they see fit. Persons wanting to donate items are asked to contact Caritas,

Salvation Army and other local agencies to see what specific items they are

in need of.


Robinson Garden Apartments needs the following furniture for evacuees:

3- children's beds, 3-adult beds, 3-living room suits, and 3-tv's. Call

662-3550 for more information .


A transcript of this report and all other daily updates along with

information and other local and national resource information for help are

being added regularly to the City's web site. By going to www.waco-texas.com

you will find several links for information on the communities efforts and

the nation. Citizen volunteers are encouraged to print out these resource

web pages to provide to evacuees that they are serving and who do not have

web access. The city will be happy to provide as many printed copies as may

be needed by calling 750-5636.


Anyone who comes into our community that needs sheltering, please call

750-5911.

This update is as of September 17th at 2:00pm. These updates will continue

to be issued daily until all known evacuees are placed in permanent housing

and no locally operated shelters are in operation. To submit information to

be considered for these reports email Larryh@ci.waco.tx.us or call 750-5636

and leave the desired information.


Status Update as of September 18th at 2:30pm from Waco-McLennan County Emergency Management.

As of today (Sunday) at 2:30 pm, we have not received any updates from any of the churches providing temporary shelter for evacuees.


Two FEMA representatives will be available throughout the weekend in the local office of Waco McLennan County Emergency Management to answer questions about requested FEMA processes as relating to individual applicants. Call 750-5911 or the national FEMA Help line, 1-800-621-3362.

The City can now aid faith based groups who are paying rent for evacuees for possible reimbursement. Certain requirements must be met. Please call

750-5911 for details.

Any other churches or individuals who are providing temporary sheltering for hurricane Katrina evacuees are asked to please contact Emergency Management at 750-5911 so we can properly register and provide for their needs and any additional resources that become available.

Wednesday, September 21st, from 9am to 9pm, FEMA and Waco-McLennan County Emergency Management officials will be on hand at the Waco Convention Center to provide a "one stop shop" of information for local evacuees who need assistance in receiving state and federal government benefits. Arrangements have been made for the following agencies to also be present:

U.S. CITIZENSHIP & IMMIGRATION SERVICES, WACO TRANSIT, FEMA, CARITAS, AMERICAN RED CROSS, WACO HOUSING AUTHORITY, WACO MCLENNAN CO. PUBLIC HEALTH DISTRICT, SALVATION ARMY, SOCIAL SECURITY, HEART OF TEXAS WORKFORCE, and U.S. POSTAL SERVICE.


A State of Texas emergency management website has also been set up to serve as a source of information and assist local government with relief efforts:

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem/katrina_public_assistance.htm


Notice regarding weekend updates: Only information voluntarily submitted by

12 Noon each day to the email or phone contacts at the end of this report will be considered for inclusion in Saturday and Sunday updates.


As most of the active shelters across the state move evacuees into more permanent housing the Texas office of Emergency Management did not schedule or hold a daily conference call with all Emergency Management offices throughout the state on Sunday.


The Greater Robinson Relief Center has not reported to us regarding the receiving of any evacuees for their facility. People interested in locating in this facility should contact Jo Schlottmann at 662-9941 or 662-3188.


Anyone who comes into our community that needs sheltering, please call 750-5911.

This update is as of September 18th at 2:30pm. These updates will continue to be issued daily until all known evacuees are placed in permanent housing and no locally operated shelters are in operation. To submit information to be considered for these reports email Larryh@ci.waco.tx.us or call 750-5636 and leave the desired information.

---

Status Update as of September 19th at 2:30pm from

Waco-McLennan County Emergency Management

A call to Central United Methodist Church revealed that of the two families

they were sheltering over the weekend, one family is on their way to San

Antonio to stay with their mother and the last remaining family they have

been sheltering will be moved into a duplex on Tuesday.

Waco Christian Fellowship reported that over the weekend they had as many as

29 evacuees sheltered in their facility. Six were placed in more permanent

housing and they have received four new people for a total of 27 as of this

update. They indicate that applications are in the process for apartments

for these people.

We are not aware of any other churches or groups providing sheltering of

evacuees at this time. All are providing long term housing for those who

have come in to our community.

Waco ISD reports 61 students enrolled, Midway has 22, Robinson has 4.


*** IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL evacuees:

Wednesday, September 21st, from 9am to 9pm, the City of Waco and Waco-McLennan County Emergency Management officials are providing a "One Stop Shop" of information for local evacuees at the Waco Convention Center.

Evacuees who need assistance in receiving state and federal government benefits or have other questions can find all these agencies represented in one room during these hours. Arrangements have been made for the following

agencies to be present:

U.S. CITIZENSHIP & IMMIGRATION SERVICES, WACO TRANSIT, FEMA, CARITAS, AMERICAN RED CROSS, WACO HOUSING AUTHORITY, WACO MCLENNAN CO. PUBLIC HEALTH DISTRICT, SALVATION ARMY, SOCIAL SECURITY, HEART OF TEXAS WORKFORCE, U.S.

POSTAL SERVICE, TEXAS HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES, TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY, HEART OF TEXAS REGION MHMR, HEART OF TEXAS COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS AREA AGENCY ON AGING, TEXAS HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES OFFICE OF ELIGIBILITY

SERVICES, EOAC, McLENNAN COUNTY WELFARE DEPT. INDIGENT HEALTH CARE, VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND ADULT PROTECTION SERVICES OF THE STATE OF TEXAS. Other agencies have indicated a desire to attend and participate.


The City has prepared a flyer in pdf format promoting the Wednesday "One Stop Shop" that can be printed and distributed to evacuees by community support people. www.waco-texas.com .


The Greater Robinson Relief Center reports they are housing two people in their facility and may receive others later today. Those will be reported in Tuesday's update.


One individual need: A former teacher in WISD who had recently moved to New Orleans has found her way back to Waco and friends have indicated that she could use a queen sized mattress. Contact Lindsay Woods at lindsayrosewoods@gmail.com if you can help.


A transcript of this report and all other daily updates along with

information and other local and national resource information for help are

being added regularly to the City's web site. By going to www.waco-texas.com

you will find several links for information on the communities efforts and

the nation. Citizen volunteers are encouraged to print out these resource

web pages to provide to evacuees that they are serving and who do not have

web access. The city will be happy to provide as many printed copies as may

be needed by calling 750-5636.


Anyone who comes into our community that needs sheltering, please call

750-5911.

This update is as of September 19th at 2:30pm. These updates will continue

to be issued daily until all known evacuees are placed in permanent housing

and no locally operated shelters are in operation. To submit information to

be considered for these reports email Larryh@ci.waco.tx.us or call 750-5636

and leave the desired information.

###

Waco Area Hurricane Relief Update 9-15 and 9-16

Status Update as of September 15th at 2:30pm from
Waco-McLennan County Emergency Management

As of today (Thursday) at 2:30 pm, Central United Methodist Church is
sheltering 11 individuals in their shelter. A FEMA representative has
been at the sight and is providing assistance in establishing permanent
housing, probably by Monday or Tuesday. One other person should be in an
apartment by tomorrow (Friday).
Waco Christian Fellowship is sheltering 23 individuals. Six have moved
to apartments. They are expecting six new people, possibly tonight. A
meeting will beheld Tuesday, September 20th at 7pm in their sanctuary at 405
Estates Drive, for people or churches wanting to provide various levels of
support for these evacuees as they are moved into permanent housing. For more
information call 772-9768.

** The City can now aid faith based groups who are paying rent for
evacuees for possible reimbursement. Certain requirements must be met. Please
call 750-5911 for details.

Any other churches or individuals who are providing temporary
sheltering for hurricane Katrina evacuees are asked to please contact Emergency
Management at 750-5911 so we can properly register and provide for their needs and
any additional resources that become available.

Parkside Village apartments has no new residents. They no longer have
any needs or requests. As evacuees establish residency in our community
we will no longer seek to identify specific apartment complexes where
these victims reside.
Several other churches throughout the community are providing
apartments and resources to the families they will support for varying lengths of
time.

Two FEMA representatives will be available throughout the weekend in
the local office of Waco McLennan County Emergency Management to answer
questions about requested FEMA processes as relating to individual
applicants. Call 750-5911 or the national FEMA Help line,
1-800-621-3362.

The Family Practice Center has special appointment times set aside for
hurricane Katrina evacuees who need medical attention. Call 750-8200.

Waco Police officers gathered personal uniforms and old gear to take to
police departments in flooded cities. The trip was scheduled but just
prior to leaving were informed they had an overstock.

School Enrollment:
As of today, Waco ISD reports five new students have enrolled bringing
the total to 59 children enrolled in Waco schools, and Midway ISD reports
four more students for a total of 20 in their system. Any other school
districts with students enrolled should report that information to the city by
calling 750-5636 to include in this report. No new information has been
reported from Baylor, MCC or TSTC .

The Greater Robinson Relief Center reports that all most all of the
rooms in the former elementary school have been adopted by churches and
individuals and are set up as "private-efficiency apartments". As of this update,
no one has arrived to be housed there. People interested in locating in
this facility should contact Jo Schlottmann at 662-9941 or 662-3188.

Donations and Resources:
Cash donations are still one of the easiest ways to help. They are
being accepted at the Waco Water Office at 425 Franklin Ave., and area
Extraco Banks. These funds will be given to American Red Cross to be dispersed
as they see fit. Persons wanting to donate items are asked to contact
Caritas, Salvation Army and other local agencies to see what specific items they
are in need of.

A transcript of this report and all other daily updates along with
information and other local and national resource information for help
are being added regularly to the City's web site. By going to
www.waco-texas.com you will find several links for information on the communities efforts and the nation. Citizen volunteers are
encouraged to print out these resource web pages to provide to evacuees that they are
serving and who do not have web access. The city will be happy to
provide as many printed copies as may be needed by calling 750-5636.

Anyone who comes into our community that needs sheltering, please call
750-5911. This update is as of September 15th at 2:30pm. These updates will
continue to be issued daily until all known evacuees are placed in permanent
housing and no locally operated shelters are in operation. ###

Status Update as of September 16th at 2:30pm from
Waco-McLennan County Emergency Management

As of today (Friday) at 2:30 pm, Central United Methodist Church is
sheltering 11 individuals in their shelter. No change has been
identified at Waco Christian Fellowship. They last reported sheltering 23
individuals. Six have moved to apartments. They were expecting six new people,
possibly Thursday tonight. A meeting will be held Tuesday, September 20th at
7pm in their sanctuary at 405 Estates Drive, for people or churches wanting to
provide various levels of support for these evacuees as they are moved
into permanent housing. For more information call 772-9768.

Two FEMA representatives will be available throughout the weekend in
the local office of Waco McLennan County Emergency Management to answer
questions about requested FEMA processes as relating to individual
applicants. Call 750-5911 or the national FEMA Help line,
1-800-621-3362.
The City can now aid faith based groups who are paying rent for
evacuees for possible reimbursement. Certain requirements must be met. Please call
750-5911 for details.

Any other churches or individuals who are providing temporary
sheltering for hurricane Katrina evacuees are asked to please contact Emergency
Management at 750-5911 so we can properly register and provide for their needs and
any additional resources that become available.

Several other churches throughout the community are providing
apartments and resources to the families they will support for varying lengths of
time.

Notice regarding weekend updates: Only information voluntarily
submitted by 12 Noon each day to the email or phone contacts at the end of this
report will be considered for inclusion in Saturday and Sunday updates.

School Enrollment:
As of today, Waco ISD reports five new students have enrolled bringing
the total to 59 children enrolled in Waco schools, and Midway ISD reports
two more students for a total of 22 in their system. Robinson reports they
have two students in their system. Vanguard has one student enrolled. Any
other school districts with students enrolled should report that information
to the city by calling 750-5636 to include in this report. No new
information has been reported from Baylor, MCC or TSTC .

The Greater Robinson Relief Center reports that all most all of the
rooms in the former elementary school have been adopted by churches and
individuals and are set up as "private-efficiency apartments". As of Friday at
2:30pm, no one has arrived to be housed there. People interested in locating
in this facility should contact Jo Schlottmann at 662-9941 or 662-3188.

From the local American Red Cross office: They have a new partner
willing to offer evacuees help with prescription glasses and eye exams. Contact
the local Red Cross office at 776-8362.

Churches are invited to participate in The Noah Project that was
created to coordinate efforts of area congregations that will directly help
victims of hurricane Katrina. For more information call Jim Ellor at 710-4439.

From Planned Parenthood of Central Texas: Free for women and men
displaced by hurricane Katrina: birth control, emergency contraception, STD
testing/treatment, gynecological/reproductive health services, birth
control pills and shots. Louisiana Medicaid Accepted. Call 759-5762.

Donations and Resources:
Cash donations are still one of the easiest ways to help. They are
being accepted at the Waco Water Office at 425 Franklin Ave., and area
Extraco Banks. These funds will be given to American Red Cross to be dispersed
as they see fit. Persons wanting to donate items are asked to contact
Caritas, Salvation Army and other local agencies to see what specific items they
are in need of.

A transcript of this report and all other daily updates along with
information and other local and national resource information for help
are being added regularly to the City's web site. By going to
www.waco-texas.com you will find several links for information on the communities efforts and the nation. Citizen volunteers are
encouraged to print out these resource web pages to provide to evacuees that they are
serving and who do not have web access. The city will be happy to
provide as many printed copies as may be needed by calling 750-5636.

Anyone who comes into our community that needs sheltering, please call
750-5911.

This update is as of September 16th at 2:30pm. These updates will
continue to be issued daily until all known evacuees are placed in permanent
housing and no locally operated shelters are in operation. To submit
information to be considered for these reports email Larryh@ci.waco.tx.us
or call 750-5636 and leave the desired
information.

Larry W. Holze
Director - Municipal Information
Public Information Officer
City of Waco
(254)750-5636
Larryh@ci.waco.tx.us

Breast Cancer Month event October 29th

The Men and Women Gospel Chorus Workshop will be celebrating " Breast Cancer Awareness Month " this event will be held at Second Baptist Church October 29, 2005 at 7:00 p.m.

Rev. Nika Davis , Pastor

Guest Clinician : Mrs. Lorie Carter -Reed
Carter's Temple Church In God In Christ

Master of Ceremony
Rev. Darrell Bush
Charity Chapel Ministies of Faith

Praise & Worship Team
Greater Mt. Olive Baptist Church

Rehearsal Time and Place :

October 27, 2005 7:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church NBC Inc. 613 Jefferson St. Rev. George Harrison, Pastor

October 28, 2005 7:00 p.m. at Second Baptist Church 2001 Dallas St. Rev. Nika Davis , Pastor

Registration begins at 6:00 p.m. on each rehearsal night. $5.00 per person. All proceeds will go to the Cancer Research.

If you have any questions you can contact any committee member at their local church.

Mrs. Clara Brooks - Antioch Baptist Church
Ms. Bridgette Boggess - St. Luke A.M.E. Church - Program Coordinator
Mrs. Florence Clarke - St. Luke A.M.E. Church
Mrs. Marva Harrison - First Baptist Church NBC Inc.
Mrs. Evelyn Jordan - Greater New Light Baptist Church
Mrs. Gladys Moseley - New Hope Baptist Church
Mrs.Louise People - Mt. Zion United Methodist Church
Mrs. Cherl Alexander - Trinty A.M.E. Church
Mres. Carla Swann - Second Baptist Church

Please come out and support this event.

With Love and Abiding Faith,
Bridgette M. Boggess

Annual Walk for the Homeless

Walk for the Homeless this Sunday

Time: 8:30-10:15 a.m.

Dear Homeless Coalition folks,

This Sunday morning (8:30a.m., Meyer Center, 1226 Washington), we will have our annual "Walk for the Homeless" to remember those on our streets and shelters and the suffering of others in our nation and world. Your presence is appreciated.

We will collect funds for 1) local agencies who work directly with the homeless, 2) the Hurricane Katrina Victims, and 3) the global organizations which work with the "extreme poor."

The "information/prayer walk" has six stops and ends at Church Under the Bridge about 10:15. The church is celebrating its 13th Anniversary with a special service and meal. You are welcome to stay and hear Pastor Chris Simmons of South Dallas who works with the homeless and marginalized there. However, you are free to catch a shuttle back to your car before or after the service.


Blessings, Jimmy Dorrell

End of Life Care

This is forwarded from Susan Ducey with the Waco Foundation.

The Heart of Texas Area Agency on Aging has asked me to send this out to all area Non Profit organizations. Please direct all inquiries to Lee Ann Skarpa or June Stephens below.


A Community Conversation About

End-of-Life Care:









“Who will speak for you when

you can’t speak for yourself?”



Keynote Speaker
Dr. M.L. Jahrmarkt, M.D.



November 10, 2005

6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Texas Life Annex Building

1000 Washington Avenue

Waco, Texas 76701



Individualized Consultations/Advance Directives will be available


For more information contact LeaAnn Skarpa at 254-744-3087 or June Stevens at 254-749-2090.

Waco Area Hurricane Relief Update

Larry Holze’s September 13th update of Hurricane Katrina Relief Effort.

Status Update as of September 13th at 2:30pm from

Waco-McLennan County Emergency Management


As of today (Tuesday) at 2:30 pm, we have confirmed that Central United
Methodist Church is still housing 9 individuals in their shelter, Waco
Christian Fellowship is housing 29 individuals...Both Waco Christian
Fellowship and Central United Methodist Church are requesting monetary
donations and gift cards to assist the families. They continue to request
that donors specify "Disaster Relief" in the memo section on checks written
to the churches. For more information, call Central United Methodist Church
at 420-2862 or Waco Christian Fellowship at 772-9768.

The number of families staying at Parkside Village apartments is still
eighteen (61 people). They still need about 5-7 mattresses and bed frames as
well as and dining room tables with chairs.

Any other churches or individuals who are providing for the needs of
hurricane Katrina evacuees are asked to please contact Emergency Management
at 750-5911 so we can properly register and provide for their needs and any
additional resources that become available.

The Executive Committee of the Waco-McLennan County Public Health District
Board has voted to approve the waiver of all fees for services to Hurricane
Katrina victims. This waiver is effective immediately. ID will be requested
prior to services rendered. A driver's license, shelter ID, or letter
indicating current place of residence will suffice. In the event that ID is
not available, staff will work with individuals and families to assist with
their health and medical needs.

From the Waco office of Social Security: Social Security cards, change of
addresses, information about claim status, immediate payments of lost
benefit checks can be made locally by calling 254/741-2333(local) or
800/772-1213.

The Waco Tribune Herald has some leftover school supplies that could not be
included in a big shipment they made to support seven new schools in Iraq.
They have 500 notebooks, 500 yellow lined legal pads, 75 boxes of crayons,
70 pencil boxes, and a few other school supplies left over. Churches or
families supporting Katrina evacuees can call 757-5791 to pickup what is
needed for these school children.

Fellowship Bible Church has offered to assist with transportation needs for
evacuees staying in Waco. The church's phone number is 848-7200.
From Salvation Army: They are helping with prescription medication,
nonperishable food, household items and furniture (when such items are
available), clothing, and linens. Other social services are available. Those
needing assistance call 254-756-7271. Immediate needs include household
items and furniture. They DO NOT NEED any more clothing items.

School Enrollment:
As of today, Waco ISD reports ten new students have enrolled bringing the
total to 48 children enrolled in Waco schools, Reicher Catholic School
reports 2 students, St. Paul's Episcopal School reports one student, and
Midway ISD reports one additional student added for a total of 16 children
in their system. A total of 7 students are enrolled at McLennan Community
College. Baylor University has 25 undergraduates enrolled and one student
is enrolled in Truett Seminary. Baylor's Graduate school has five students
into their program.

A website suggested by Jimmy Dorrell invites church groups or families
interested in sponsoring a family in Louisiana in an apartment for 90 days
to visit www.foundationforhope.org .

Bill Johnson indicates that the Greater Robinson Relief Center has ten rooms
completely ready. Two are spoken for and eight are available. Although they
have not received anyone as of this report he expects the two families
possibly today.

We have received information that evacuees can get free tickets to "An
Evening with Cowboy Legends" featuring Super Bowl Champions Billy Joe Dupree
and Rayfield Wright on September 29 at 6:30 pm at Knox Hall. Call 412-0886
or 799-6802. Evacuees can also receive free tickets for admission to
Baylor's Mayborn museum and Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum by calling
750-5636.

The U.S. Postal Service is encouraging evacuees to fill out change of
address forms in order to restore their mail service. They can do so by
going to the local post office in their current city, or online at usps.com,
or by phone at 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777).

Businesses who have job openings should contact the Texas Workforce
Commission. They are coordinating job opportunities with job seekers.

Donations and Resources:
Cash donations are still one of the easiest ways to help. They are being
accepted at the Waco Water Office at 425 Franklin Ave., and area Extraco
Banks. These funds will be given to American Red Cross to be dispersed as
they see fit. Persons wanting to donate items are asked to contact Caritas,
Salvation Army and other local agencies to see what specific items they are
in need of.

Baylor's Center for Family and Community Ministries has a website that has a
number of resources for caregivers, relief workers, mental health providers
and persons in need of assistance in recovery from Hurricane Recovery. The
site is www.family-ministry.org .
This information and additional local and national resource information for
help are being added regularly to the City's web site. By going to
www.waco-texas.com you will find several links
for information on the communities efforts and the nation. If you will click
on the link called "Resources for Evacuees" on the home page, you will find
contact information for resources to Find family and friends, contact
numbers for FEMA and state Emergency Management offices, American Red Cross,
Local and state Texas Workforce for job help, Green card and immigration,
County Welfare, Salvation Army, Schools, Library and Education, Insurance,
Medicare and Social Security, Key medical, dental, pharmaceutical and family
planning needs, local pharmaceutical stores and more.

Citizen volunteers are invited to print out these resource web pages to
provide to evacuees that they are serving and who do not have web access.
The city will be happy to provide as many printed copies as may be needed by
calling 750-5636. As additional community resources and contacts are
received, they will be added to the list.

Citizens are advised to use caution in responding to some requests for
donations. Several examples have been observed in our area of people
claiming to be evacuees from hurricane Katrina and attempting to gain from
the victims' tragedy. Other potential criminal activity in our area is
being monitored to properly protect our citizens.

Information contained on all these daily updates are archived on the city's
web site. Daily voice updates are provided by phone on the City's Public
Information Hotline 750-5606.

Anyone who comes into our community that needs sheltering, please call
750-5911.

This update is as of September 13th at 2:30pm. These updates will continue
to be issued daily until all known evacuees are placed in permanent housing
and no locally operated shelters are in operation.

Larry W. Holze
Director - Municipal Information
Public Information Officer
City of Waco
(254)750-5636
Larryh@ci.waco.tx.us

Subject: Waco Relief Effort update as of September 14th at 2:30pm
Status Update as of September 14th at 2:30pm from
Waco-McLennan County Emergency Management

As of today (Wednesday) at 2:30 pm, Central United Methodist Church is
sheltering 10 individuals in their shelter and they expect to have them
all in more permanent housing by Friday. Waco Christian Fellowship is
sheltering 29 individuals.They are beginning to place them in more permanent
housing.
St. Jerome Catholic Church reports they are housing six families.

Rumor: "FEMA and the City of Waco will pay for half of the purchase of
a new home". This is NOT true.

Two more families are staying at Parkside Village apartments. They now
have twenty families with 65 people. They no longer have any needs or
requests.

Several other churches throughout the community are providing
apartments and resources to the families they will support for varying lengths of
time.

Today's report will be considerably shorter with only new information
and sheltering status updates included. Previous daily updates are
archived on the City's website at www.waco-texas.com to
assist with on going resources. These updates will focus on sheltering
activities and temporary needs. Once placed in more permanent housing
and proper registration and identification have been accomplished, those
providing the support will respond to needs as they become residents in
our community.

Any other churches or individuals who are providing temporary
sheltering for hurricane Katrina evacuees are asked to please contact Emergency
Management at 750-5911 so we can properly register and provide for their needs and
any additional resources that become available.

School Enrollment:
As of today, Waco ISD reports six new students have enrolled bringing
the total to 54 children enrolled in Waco schools, Reicher Catholic School
reports 2 students, St. Paul's Episcopal School reports one student,
and Midway ISD enrollment remains at sixteen. A total of 7 students are
enrolled at McLennan Community College. Baylor University expects
their enrollment to mostly likely remain the same at twenty-five
undergraduates, five graduate and one Truett Seminary students, due to it being past
the 12th day of class.

The Greater Robinson Relief Center is set to receive from 36-40
individuals in to their "private-efficiency apartments" located at the former
Robinson Elementary school. As of this update they have not received any people
but have been contacted by two families coming up from the Astrodome.
People interested in locating in this facility should contact Jo Schlottmann
at 662-9941 or 662-3188.

From FEMA: FEMA is adding 1,200 additional personnel to work with the
help line. There are 132,000 heads of households registered with FEMA
Residents that have homeowners insurance and/or flood insurance are not
eligible for FEMA funding.

Donations and Resources:
Cash donations are still one of the easiest ways to help. They are
being accepted at the Waco Water Office at 425 Franklin Ave., and area
Extraco Banks. These funds will be given to American Red Cross to be dispersed
as they see fit. Persons wanting to donate items are asked to contact
Caritas, Salvation Army and other local agencies to see what specific items they
are in need of.

A transcript of this report and all other daily updates along with
information and other local and national resource information for help
are being added regularly to the City's web site. By going to
www.waco-texas.com you will find several links for information on the communities efforts and the nation. Citizen volunteers are
encouraged to print out these resource web pages to provide to evacuees that they are
serving and who do not have web access. The city will be happy to
provide as many printed copies as may be needed by calling 750-5636.

Anyone who comes into our community that needs sheltering, please call
750-5911. This update is as of September 14th at 2:30pm. These updates will
continue to be issued daily until all known evacuees are placed in permanent
housing and no locally operated shelters are in operation.

Larry W. Holze
Director - Municipal Information
Public Information Officer
City of Waco
(254)750-5636
Larryh@ci.waco.tx.us

Sickle Cell Banquet 9-24-05

Home Depot Job Opportunities

Jobs for Seniors 55 and over

Own Your Own Home- NHS

Dallas Black Dance Theatre

Waco's Posse Trail Ride

Community Visioning in Waco

Refief Update

Status Update as of September 11th at 2:30pm from Waco-McLennan County Emergency Management

Little new information has been provided to us since our last lengthy reporton Saturday as of 2:30pm. As of today (Sunday) at 2:30 pm, we are not aware of any evacuees living ingroup shelters in Waco. All of the other original evacuees that have cometo Waco have been placed in apartments or other more permanent housing.Saturday calls to the various churches who have been prepared to receiveevacuees at their facilities have not indicated any change from Saturday'supdate.The number of families staying at Parkside Village apartments remains ateleven (32 people). They indicate they still have eleven more vacanciesavailable. As of this update requests they still need mattresses and boxsprings and dining room tables with chairs. With many of the hotels and motels booked for Parent's Weekend at Baylor, noreferral calls from hotels to Emergency Management with requests to provideassistance were received. Any other churches or individuals who are providing for the needs ofhurricane Katrina evacuees are asked to please contact Emergency Managementat 750-5911 so we can properly register and provide for their needs and anyadditional resources that become available.Throughout this tragedy all Texas Emergency Management offices participatein daily conference calls. The Waco-McLennan County office continued toparticipate in these calls throughout the weekend and will each day untilthey are discontinued by the state. State officials announced Saturday thatall responders have returned from the affected areas except the Texas ArmyNational Guard and Texas Forestry Service Incident Management Team. Thereare no more evacuees officially sanctioned to come into Texas.The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum raised $950 on Saturday from peoplevisiting the museum. Those who contributed, got in free that day. The Texas Department of State Health Services announced the availability ofa toll-free hotline for people in crisis in the aftermath of HurricaneKatrina. By calling 1-800-273-TALK callers will be connected to a network oflocal crisis counselors. From the Louisiana Governor's office: The LA Governor's office has set up anidentification process that allows persons to register for a replacement ID.As persons start to interact with government or purchase plane tickets andetc, they will need ID. Go to . It has been requestedthat this information be distributed to all people providing care or housingto help Louisiana citizens get the message.An evacuee can get a Texas ID card from DPS for no charge. An Evacuee can receive a temporary Driver License and ID from DPS for nocost however the license will only be good for four months.A regular Texas Drivers License will come with a charge.People from Louisiana who had previous public housing through HUD or hadSection 8 vouchers can call 1-800-955-2232 for help.At the close of school Friday, Waco ISD reported 31 children enrolled inWaco schools, Reicher Catholic School reports 3 students, St. Paul'sEpiscopal School reports one student, and Midway ISD reports 14 children intheir system. A total of 7 students are enrolled at McLennan CommunityCollege. Baylor University has 25 undergraduates enrolled and one studentis enrolled in Truett Seminary. We have also learned that Baylor's Graduateschool has admitted five New Orleans students into their program. Businesses who have job openings should contact the Texas WorkforceCommission. They are coordinating job opportunities with job seekers.Donations and Resources: Cash donations are still one of the easiest ways to help. They are beingaccepted at the Waco Water Office at 425 Franklin Ave., and area ExtracoBanks. These funds will be given to American Red Cross to be dispersed asthey see fit. Persons wanting to donate items are asked to contact Caritas,Salvation Army and other local agencies to see what specific items they arein need of. This information and additional local and national resource information forhelp are being added regularly to the City's web site. By going towww.waco-texas.com you will find several linksfor information on the communities efforts and the nation. If you will clickon the link called "Resources for Evacuees" on the home page, you will findcontact information for resources to Find family and friends, contactnumbers for FEMA and state Emergency Management offices, American Red Cross,Local and state Texas Workforce for job help, Green card and immigration,County Welfare, Salvation Army, Schools, Library and Education, Insurance,Medicare and Social Security, Key medical, dental, pharmaceutical and familyplanning needs, local pharmaceutical stores and more. Citizen volunteers are invited to print out these resource web pages toprovide to evacuees that they are serving and who do not have web access.The city will be happy to provide as many printed copies as may be needed bycalling 750-5636. As additional community resources and contacts arereceived, they will be added to the list.Citizens are advised to use caution in responding to some requests fordonations. Several examples have been observed in our area of peopleclaiming to be evacuees from hurricane Katrina and attempting to gain fromthe victims' tragedy. Other potential criminal activity in our area isbeing monitored to properly protect our citizens.Information contained on all these daily updates are archived on the city'sweb site. Daily voice updates are provided by phone on the City's PublicInformation Hotline 750-5606.Anyone who comes into our community that needs sheltering, please call750-5911. This update will be issued each day around 2:30pm.###

Larry W. HolzeDirector - Municipal InformationPublic Information OfficerCity of Waco(254)750-5636Larryh@ci.waco.tx.us

Waco Relief Effort update as of Sept 8th

Municipal  Information Services
Post Office Box 2570
Waco, Texas  76702-2570
254 / 750-5636
Fax:  254 / 750-5634
www.waco-texas.com


September 7, 2005

Contact:  Larry Holze
         Public Information Officer
         Larryh@ci.waco.tx.us

Status Update as of September 7th at 2:30pm from
Waco-McLennan County Emergency Management

     As of today, the number of evacuees in shelters has decreased as they are placed in individual housing.  
     
     At this time, there are two active shelters in Waco:  Columbus Avenue Baptist Church serving 12 people, and Central United Methodist Church serving 9 people.  First United Methodist Church of Waco has placed six families previously sheltered at 7th and James Baptist in individual apartments and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church has agreed to sponsor at least one family at the Parkside Apartments.

If any other churches or individuals not listed above have people that they are sheltering or caring for from hurricane Katrina,  please contact  Emergency Management at 750-5911 so we can properly register and provide for their needs.

We HAVE NOT received any notice from the state of Texas office of Emergency Management that they are sending any evacuees to our area. We stand ready to receive and process up to 500 and possibly more if the need arises.

In addition, the City of Waco has received word that 10 families have moved into the Parkside Village Apartments in the Brook Oaks neighborhood.  Some of these families were previously housed at the Seventh & James Baptist Church.  Several city employees helped prepare the apartments for occupation by assisting with painting and cleaning and unloading donated furniture.

According to WISD, 21 children have been enrolled in Waco schools.
Midway reports 11 children in their system.

Health staff from the Waco McLennan County Public Health District are providing daily assessments on known shelters in McLennan County.  A team comprised of a nurse, an epidemiologist and a sanitarian are assessing the shelters for general sanitation, safe food service and addressing special health care needs.  Efforts will continue to be made to transition families from shelters to apartments and provide for their needs.

Solid Waste Services has placed two containers at Columbus Ave Baptist Church.

Waco Transit is offering free monthly bus passes for evacuees as a way of providing transportation service.

Persons who have come to Waco and McLennan County as a result of Hurricane Katrina are eligible for library services including receiving a library card. Hurricane evacuees will be issued a "Temporary" library card.  Temporary cards have a five-item checkout limit and expire after 90 days. At that time the temporary status can be renewed or if by that time the evacuee has a Texas driver’s license or ID, a permanent card can be issued.  For children under the age of 16, a parent or guardian will need to sign the library card application.  For more information, please call the Circulation Division at 254-750-5943. Hurricane evacuees are also welcome to use the library's public access computers at any of the four library locations.  Library staff will be happy to assist persons in locating resources to contact relatives, insurance companies, apply for disaster assistance or other needs.
The City Manager’s Office will be putting together a package of free tickets to Waco area attractions including the Cameron Park Zoo and Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum for evacuees.  These will be available upon request through the City’s Municipal Information office. 750-5636.
Donations: There are no requests for SPECIFIC items to be given locally however money is being accepted at the Waco Water Office at 425 Franklin Ave., and area Extraco Banks. These funds will be given to American Red Cross to be dispersed as they see fit.  Persons wanting to donate items are asked to contact Caritas, Salvation Army and other local agencies to see what specific items they are in need of.   In addition, the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum will be collecting donations for the Salvation Army on Saturday, September 10.  Anyone making a donation will be admitted to the museum for free that day.

Items collected this past Sunday and Labor Day are warehoused temporarily at the VA Hospital and are being distributed by the Salvation Army to local evacuees.

Numerous web site links to important information to assist evacuees are located on the City’s web site at www.waco-texas.com. Information contained in these daily updates is available on the web site, by phone on the City’s Public Information Hotline 750-5606 and on the Waco City Cable Channel ten’s Message Board.

Anyone who comes into our community that needs sheltering, please call 750-5911.  
This update will be issued each day around 2:30pm.

###

Housing
All those going to shelter need to be routed through Frank Patterson, Emergency Management Services, 750-5911

Need to register with Red Cross
Four (or five?) local Waco churches are offering shelter and assistance:

Central United Methodist Church – temporary shelter
     Columbus Avenue Baptist Church
     7th and James Baptist Church
First United Methodist -254/772-5630St. Jerome's Catholic -254/666-7722


Parkside Villages:  Mary Hamilton (manager) 752-2602 or 723-8040
     Methodist Children’s Home (children):  Tim Brown 753-0181
     Housing Authority:  Milet Hopping 752-0324, ext 280
     Furniture/Kitchen Utensils:  LaVita Brown 717-9281 or 755-6169
     
     
Information
The 2-1-1 Texas Information and Referral Network is providing 24/7 evacuation, shelters and general information.  Due to the uncertainty of cell phone access from providers outside of Texas, the 2-1-1 Texas system also implemented a toll-free number.  The official Hurricane Evacuation number is 1-888-312-4567.


Social Security
     
Social Security
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is taking Katrina evacuees' information and ordering duplicate social security cards that should be available within two weeks. The SSA can get print-outs for immediate working purposes.
Disability Assistance
FEMA Individual Registration Information: Every hurricane survivor with a disability must register to be able to receive the full range of federal assistance. Registrants must make clear that they have a disability or chronic health care need. 1/800-621-FEMA; 1/800-462-9029; 1/800-462-7585 TDD/TYY; http://www.fema.gov/about/process/ 

Food
     Food Stamps
Individuals can go to a local Health and Human Services office for three months of Food Stamps.  All displaced individuals are being treated as applicants for expedited food stamp benefits, regardless of previous receipt of benefits in another state and other eligibility factors.

Health Care
Potter’s Vessel:  Debbie McElveen 757-3633 (Assist with long term provision of medications)
     MHMR:  (severe and persistent mental health problems)
     Larry Becker:   752-3451 counseling and medication
     Carrie Amthor:  757-3933 MR
     Ron Kimbell:  752-7889  Children
     Pamela Marcum:  297-7085 (Children under 3)
     Baylor SSW:  Denis Meyers 710-6464 (debriefing and counseling)
     Baylor School of Edu: Gail Roaten 710-6163 (individual and group counseling)
     Planned Parenthood:  Pam Smallwood 759-5762

Individuals can go to a local Health and Human Services office for three months of Medicaid.  It doesn't matter whether or not they were a Medicaid or CHIP recipient in their home state, all evacuees are eligible.

HHSC is providing instructions to Texas pharmacies filling prescriptions for Louisiana Medicaid participants. Those pharmacies will need to fax in enrollment forms posted at http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/HCF/vdp/vdpstart.html. Pharmacies needing to verify eligibility can do so by calling 1-800-473-2783. Healthcare providers can verify Medicaid and CHIP enrollment information and procedures to process claims at 1-800-473-2783.

Managing Traumatic Stress
http://www.apahelpcenter.org/articles/article.php?id=107

Schools and Children’s Needs
     MCYC:  Doug McDurham  753-6002  connect children with social services, workers in schools.
     Special needs children’s programs  Eric Robinson 710-4796

Education

• Virtually all local schools will immediately register any displaced students.


• Displaced students qualify for free-reduced lunch.

Normal immunization requirements for attending school or child-care facilities in Texas are being temporarily waived for displaced children.  Students will be given a 30-day provisional enrollment

Transportation:

ID and other Documents

JOBS
     MPowerment—Carlton Willis  296-0921
     Heart of Texas Workforce Center 754-5421

Employment
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) claims
Louisiana workers who have lost their jobs due to Hurricane Katrina may apply for DUA by calling 1-800-818-7811.  This toll-free number is exclusively for use by displaced Louisiana workers. The best time to call for faster service is from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Central Time. Claims takers will take calls from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Central Time on weekdays.

The Heart of Texas Workforce Center on New Road is working with displaced individuals to get them into jobs.


Suicide Prevention Resources
The Suicide Prevention Resource Center has compiled a list of resources for the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The resources span from general disaster relief resources to meeting the mental health needs of the Hurricane survivors, along with resources for schools. The list of resources is on the SPRC website at http://www.sprc.org/library/hurricane_katrina_resources.pdf.
The Suicide Prevention Resource Center  Phone: 617.618.2467

Homeland Security Resources

Resources to check out

Suggestions for Disaster Relief

Happenings Around Waco

I am passing this information along at the request of Knight Star Enterprises/Knight Star Institute. The three individuals who have developed these suggested guidelines have a wealth of experience in dealing with disasters and offer these suggestions based on their experience in dealing with disasters such as this one. They make valid points worth considering.


KNIGHT-STAR ENTERPRISES / KNIGHT-STAR INSTITUTE

Waco, TX


Dear Local Non-Profits and Churches,


Great energy has been created these past several days in our community as we all endeavor to serve the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Our organization has fielded many calls and, having been in situations like these before, would like to humbly share some recommendations. Since Disaster Relief Operations are complex missions, there is an extra degree of difficulty due to the magnitude and urgency. But, we feel the guidelines below may be of some value in your relief efforts.



Coordinate all activities with local Emergency Management, American Red Cross and Salvation Army. These organizations are trained, equipped and experienced at dealing effectively with victims’ needs. They have standard policies and procedures to ensure that all victims are treated fairly and receive the best possible service.
Special collections, sponsored by churches/organization, to provide money to the Red Cross or items requested by the Salvation Army are best. This ensures all victims will have their needs met and acquire their needed resources after being properly screened.
When churches sponsor specific families - promising, food, clothing, jobs and shelter, it creates a scenario in which some victims will receive more than others. Therefore, it is not recommended. Churches through their generosity and outpouring of care in this fashion essentially make a 1 to 2 year commitment to the victims. Whereas, the Salvation Army, Red Cross and FEMA have procedures in place to ensure that all victims are served long-term.
Coordinate and talk a lot with each other the first several weeks of any disaster. Controlling rumors and identifying unsavory individuals – who take advantage of poor coordination and communication -- to commit fraud against well-meaning organizations. We recommend weekly, facilitated conference calls for at least two weeks, allowing the Red Cross, Salvation Army, and Emergency Management officials to brief organizational leaders with actual facts, solve problems, and dialogue about emerging issues. Teleconferences will allow those organizations providing additional services the opportunity to avoid duplicating efforts.
Respect the Established Guidelines and Procedures. Do not add to the disaster. Just because you can help does not mean that you need to help – over and above responding to requests being issued to the general public by these three disaster authorities.
Redirecting your funding commitments to Katrina relief efforts – away from local organizations that currently depend on your funding – will cause a great many other problems. Please consider your pledges carefully.
Only open shelters if requested by Emergency Management, ensuring all victims are registered on the Next of Kin Registry and with FEMA. www.fema.gov and www.disasterhelp.gov.
Do not collect clothing, food or household goods unless instructed by officials of the Red Cross, Salvation Army or Emergency Management. After every disaster, thousands of tons of food and clothing are thrown away and never reach the victims because of the cost and logistics necessary to distribute.


Following these guidelines will help your organization make far greater contributions to actually helping the many thousands of Katrina’s victims.


Sincerely,


Lt. Gen. Donald W. Jones (USA-Ret), Former Senior VP of the American National Red Cross

Executive Vice-President of Knight-Star Enterprises


Ms. Anita Knight, Former Member of the Allstate National Catastrophe Team

President of Knight-Star Enterprises



Mr. Matthew G. Wright, CFRE, Former CEO of the Mid-Tex American Red Cross

Acting Executive Director of Knight-Star Institute


About Knight-Star Enterprises / Knight-Star Institute -- Knight-Star Enterprises is a homeland security management consulting firm that helps leaders prepare and prevail in the face of disasters. The firm strengthens leaders’ skills and organizational readiness for survival to mitigate suffering, chaos, and loss of personal, commercial and intellectual property. Knight-Star Institute is a non-profit charitable organization that promotes disaster preparedness and protection for communities – particularly among the elderly, infirm and disabled.

Hurricane Relief in North Waco

Parkside Village Apartments
(Green Apartment Complex)
1323 N. 9th Street
is offering Hurricane Survivor Relief and needs your help!!!

On Tuesday September 6th, approximately 30 families from the New Orleans area will be relocating to our city and Parkside Villages will be offering empty apartments for the flood victim families until they are able to move back home.

What can the community do to help?

Volunteer Your Time

Parkside Villages need volunteers to help clean out the apartments and make them ready for the new families. Volunteers are also needed to help sort donations and set up apartments for families before they arrive. Volunteers will be needed at the Dewey as well as at the Parkside Villages.

Donate Household Items

Suggestions for Items needed:
Clothes
Toys
Furniture for bedroom, living & dining room
Bathroom Toiletries
Personal care products
Diapers
Shoes, socks, and underwear
Trash cans and bags
Beds, sheets and pillows
Comforters and Blankets
Towels
Kitchen appliances
Kitchen wares
Bathroom wares
Non-Perishable Food
Water
Radio and TV
Walmart gift cards
Anything needed to make an empty apartment more like home

Where can the donations be dropped off?
Dewey Recreation Center

925 N. 9th Street(254) 750-8677

When and What time?
Sunday September 4th from 6-9pm
Monday September 5th from 8am-12pm
Tuesday September 6th after 9:30am until 6pm

Adopt an Apartment or Family

Do you have a church or organization that would like to adopt an apartment or family? Types of responsibility include but are not limited to:
· Making sure the family is taken care of financially
· Offer a kind face during this difficult transition after the move has been made
· Help in the area of transportation, local directory, and referrals to services in the Waco area such as to schools, day care, etc.
· Check on them regularly

More than likely these families have never been to Waco, so it will be quite challenging to maneuver around without local assistance. Individuals are encouraged to adopt an apartment or family as well.

Parkside Village Apartments
(Green Apartment Complex)
1323 N. 9th Street
Office Telephone number
(not open on Labor Day)
Sunday 9-5pm
Tuesday-Friday 8:30-5:30pm
For More Information, please call the complex Office: 752-2602

Hurricane Katrina Relief

Here's some website to check for current updates and relief requests for Katrina.

• American Red Cross
• The Waco Trib Newspaper
• KXXV-TV
• Baylor University
• KWTX
• KCEN-TV
• ABC
• Presidential Prayer Team