Sep 13, 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Cliff Smith, United Way, 433-2000

Karen Hawes or Patricia Howell, Human Services/Long Term Recovery Committee, 533-7930

FORT MYERS, Fla. (September 13, 2005) - The Lee County Long Term Recovery Committee (LTRC see agencies below) is coordinating community response to displaced families that have been impacted by Katrina and arriving in our community. The American Red Cross (ARC) is now reporting that as many as 238 families, with an average of 4 people per family have registered with them for assistance.

The Fort Myers Housing Authority is coordinating with the Housing Authority in Houston to offer 17 units that are available. Seventeen families will be welcomed to the community beginning the end of the week.  Bill Smith Appliances and Robb & Stuckey will donate appliances and furnishings for the units.
 
The LTRC is meeting weekly to coordinate local resources and assist the ARC to reach Katrina displaced families and individuals who will relocate permanently in Lee County with coordinated community resources including job placement and housing.

 Families and individuals displaced by Hurricane Katrina that are staying with area host families; Churches, or family members are asked to call the American Red Cross at 278-3401, and their new Hispanic direct line 278-5234, to coordinate local resources, or go to the United Methodist Church, located at 2466 First Street, Fort Myers.
 
 All food donations should be directed to the Harry Chapin Food Bank, 2126 Alicia Street, Ft. Myers, 33901 (off Fowler Street)  334-7007.

  Employers with jobs are asked to call the Career and Service Center, 278-7140 ext. 194 and speak to Beth Barger to register employment opportunities.
 
 Employment, job training, and assistance with resumes are also being offered at the Career and Service Center, 4150 Ford Street Ext., Fort Myers.  Please come to the Center for employment-related services and/or call 278-7140, ext. 170.

 Salvation Army will have case workers stationed at the Disaster Recovery Center, located in the United Methodist Church.  They can assist with food, clothing, furniture, and medical needs.

  Project Hope will be available at the United Methodist Church and in the community for emotional support and counseling.  Project HOPE may be contacted at 239-470-4608 or 239-470-4605.

 A Hurricane Katrina HELPLINE has been established and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days per week at 1-800-278-TALK (8255).

 THE GREATEST COMMUNITY NEED IS LONG-TERM HOUSING.  Landlords that are able to donate or provide rental properties for 8 to 12 months should call 332-1152 to provide contact information and location of property.

 For other information related to Hurricane Katrina, please call United Way 211, our community's 24-hour information and referral service at 211 or 433-3900.

For information please call - United Way - Cliff Smith, 433-2000
Long Term Recovery Committee Chair - Karen Hawes or Patricia Howell, 533-7930

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