Hurricane Relief Efforts - Local Area Information and Updates

Health and Human Services

• Recovery Yellow Page - Disaster Recovery Organizations, May 2006

• Hurricane Recovery Update, Community Council of Greater Dallas,
  April 26, 2006

• Fact Sheet (.PDF)

• Form for Transportation for evacuees with medical needs (.PDF)

Job Assistance

FEMA has set up legal services hotlines managed by the young lawyers division of the American Bar Association.  There are tool free numbers for people needing to speak to a lawyer from the state of residence prior to being displaced by Katrina.

Again, Evacuees from a disaster state should call the tool free number for the state where they resided before Katrina since a lawyer cannot practice in a state where he/she is not licensed.

Calling the number will get the caller pro bono advice on the rights from their state.

The lawyer might also be able to help a person replace identification lost in the storm.

FEMA is also sponsoring a web site where people can look for jobs, but general employment and employment related to storm damage and where employers can post jobs for Katrina victims.

http://www.jobsearch.org/katrinajobs

Drivers License Replacement Information

Individuals currently licensed or having possessed a LA identification card can apply for a free reconstructed driver’s license or ID card. An application is now available through OMV’s website (www.expresslane.org) or can be faxed to the individual upon request (225) 925-4195 or 1-877-DMV-LINE (1-877-368-5463).

The application is to be completed to include the person’s full name, date of birth, race, sex, social security number, a “mail to” address, and a telephone number, if possible.  The application must be signed by the applicant as the signature comparison will be their “proof of identification”.  Commissioner Hodges says her office will make every effort to process and mail the driver’s license or ID card within a 72 hour turnaround period.

To fax application to Motor Vehicles:

(225) 925-3901 or  (225) 925-1937  or  (225)925-6303

Social Security

Anyone receiving Social Security payments that have been interrupted by Hurricane Katrina can go to any Social Security office to get an emergency payment. For information about changing mailing addresses, direct deposit, or locating the nearest Social Security office, call 1-800-772-1213 or go on line at www.socialsecurity.gov