States struggle to shelter the dispossessed

updated 6:48 p.m. ET Sept. 5, 2005

HOUSTON - With a shattered New Orleans all but emptied out, an unprecedented refugee crisis unfolded across the country Sunday, as governors and emergency officials rushed to feed, clothe and shelter more than a half-million people dispossessed by Hurricane Katrina.

In Texas, where nearly a quarter-million refugees have filled the state’s relief centers, Gov. Rick Perry ordered emergency officials to airlift some evacuees to other states willing to take them. Among the states that have offered help are West Virginia, Utah, Oklahoma, Michigan, Iowa, New York and Pennsylvania.

“There are shelters set up in other states that are sitting empty while thousands arrive in Texas by the day, if not the hour,” Perry said. “To meet this enormous need, we need help from other states.”

Around the country, social service agencies, businesses, volunteer groups, military bases and other refugee shelters raced to help Katrina’s multitudes find jobs, obtain their Social Security checks, receive their medicines, get their mail, locate missing relatives and pets, and enroll their youngsters in school.

Back to school, one way or another
“We want to get the children back in school as quickly as possible, whether they are staying with relatives, or friends or in a shelter,” said Caron Blanton, a spokeswoman for the Mississippi Department of Education. Mississippi, like Alabama, Florida, Texas and other states, has pledged to open its schools to displaced children and waive normal entry requirements such as immunization records and proof of residency.

In Fort Chaffee, Ark., relief workers turned the post where Elvis Presley entered the Army in 1958 into a processing center for refugees. There, the homeless were registered by the Social Security Administration, checked by doctors and given post office boxes.

Marion Landry, 84, held onto the walker of her sister, Fay Roberts, 81, as the bedraggled pair went through the registration process. They appreciated the need for paperwork — but really wanted a shower.

“I’ve worn the same set of clothes for three days,” Roberts said Saturday after arriving from New Orleans. “My hair is sweaty. I don’t look like this. Normally I’m very nice.”

Welcome to Battle Creek
A military base near Battle Creek, Mich., was transforming itself into a welcome station.

Up to 500 evacuees were headed for the Fort Custer Training Center, where volunteer cooks were readying meals at a mess hall. Tables were stacked with towels, toiletries, T-shirts and other clothing and essentials. Medical personnel stood by to help, and clergy and attorneys were on call.

Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm said the refugees are welcome to stay permanently, if they wish. “Michigan is going to welcome these victims, these evacuees, with open arms and show them some Northern hospitality,” she said.

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, at the government’s request, announced a hot line and Web site dedicated to reuniting family members separated by the storm. By noon Monday, people will be able to get help at 1-888-544-5475 or at www.missingkids.com.

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