So far JCIL has served seven Katrina/Rita survivors with disabilities with transportation, housing, medical, financial, equipment and peer support.
Madison County knows what it is like to live in a disaster zone after the tornadoes of 1999, 2002 and 2003, so it has opened it arms to the evacuees of Hurricane Katrina. Knowing that it will be weeks – possibly months – before the evacuees can return home, representatives of almost 30 groups gathered on Sept. 13 to discuss ways to help.
The partnership, K.A.R.E. (Katrina Aid & Relief for Evacuees), has a shared goal of helping Katrina evacuees with their immediate and long-term needs after the American Red Cross and FEMA has completed their initial assessments. The group consists of members from the nonprofit, religious, government and business communities.
“K.A.R.E. is not replacing the help that Red Cross and FEMA are offering the evacuees,” said Larry Dooley, one of the group’s leaders. “We want to compliment their efforts and help evacuees add some normality to their lives to begin the healing process. Having been through the tornadoes, we know that there are many more needs than just food and shelter, and we want to help these individuals and families meet those needs in a way that is responsible to Madison County and its resources.”
The first step to getting help from K.A.R.E. is to register with the American Red Cross, 1981 Hollywood Dr., Suite 100, Jackson. The next step is registering with FEMA, which can be done at the Red Cross office. People must have a FEMA number to get help from K.A.R.E. After that is established, K.A.R.E. partners are available to help with employment, housing, food, transportation (gasoline), child care and other needs of these families.
K.A.R.E. is located at 1981 Hollywood Dr., Suite 200, Jackson. It may be reached by calling 265-5800. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. The partnership is working with evacuees in Madison County but will refer evacuees in other counties.
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