Lexington is currently on "stand-down" (we are no longer scheduled to receive a plane/bus load of evacuees.) However, it is important to know that we already have approximately 500 individuals who have relocated in Lexington and approximately 4,000 in Kentucky. Some of these individuals and families are here on a temporary basis, others will remain permanently.

· Centenary Methodist Church is the Disaster Assistance Center. FEMA, Red Cross, the Health Department, Fayette Co. Schools, and various other agencies are stationed at Centenary to help with housing, resources, counseling, etc… ALL evacuees must register there!!! This way they will be able to qualify for all the assistance available.

· The Red-Cross helps the families financially with housing for 14 days, which can then be extended for another 14 days. The ultimate goal is to get all of these folks into temporary housing (not shelters) within this 14-28 day period and to plan for housing for 3-18 months.

· ALL volunteers who are offering services such as housing, mentoring, collected items, donations, meals, activities, translating, etc… should call 313-5465 (313-LINK) (this is the main # and "link"-they are funneling all calls from resource people and all evacuees and people needing services)

· At this time, the state recommends to not to plan for Lexington families to house evacuees in their own homes. In other areas of the United States, this practice has not been affective.

· Pleasant Green Baptist Church offered to house any items that organizations may have collected but do not have room to house for Katrina evacuees.

· If you are planning to take a bus to the disaster area and bring survivors back to Lexington, please notify the American Red Cross so they can be prepared to receive them.