By Daily Press staff
The Santa Monica chapter of the American Red Cross will be hosting a client resource fair this Thursday and Friday, Oct. 6 and Oct. 7 for evacuees displaced by the recent hurricanes.
“This is an opportunity for our clients to learn about all of the different services our city agencies have to offer,” said Francisco Vidrio, director of family services. “This fair will help the victims of the recent hurricanes by giving them information and resources on how to rebuild their lives.”
Attending will be Santa Monica state and government social service agencies that can assist with housing, medical and mental health, finance, employment, and transportation. For more information, call (310) 395-4583 or (310) 451-9237.
The American Red Cross of Santa Monica has been receiving offers of assistance from the public to help evacuees displaced by the recent hurricanes.
“Our most prevalent needs are for long-term housing and employment opportunities for the families re-settling locally,” said Eric Faber, a board member who has been managing offers of assistance. Faber stressed that the chapter is serving as a conduit for offers of assistance, but will not be involved in making selections for clients.
“We have clients with a variety of skills who urgently need job opportunities and housing assistance,” he added. “The chapter will not be accepting any tangible items delivered to the site, but these offers can be made via e-mail or telephone.”
To provide an offer of assistance, or to get further information, e-mail, or call (310) 394-3773.
The Santa Monica chapter of the Red Cross has served nearly 300 displaced persons to date. Cases represent families, couples, and individuals that have relocated to the Santa Monica area and have turned to the Santa Monica chapter for aid and services.
About $948,000 has been contributed to hurricane relief through the Santa Monica chapter of the Red Cross as of Oct. 3. Money raised locally goes to direct financial support, mental and medical health needs, and food and shelter for more than 721,000 families in 1,150 Red Cross shelters and other lodging scattered across the nation.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on October 6, 2005. Read the original PDF.