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Our deepest condolences go to the victims of Hurricane Katrina, who lost their lives, their homes and their livelihoods. Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their families. While we are devastated by the enormity of this tragedy, our faith, tenacity and determination ensure that we will rebuild and we will endure. The American spirit of generosity will be evident in the days to come, as communities in the afflicted areas come together and our American family from coast to coast provides assistance. This page provides useful information about Hurricane Katrina, links to organizations that are helping provide relief, and how to obtain disaster assistance. RELIEF ORGANIZATIONS Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is is moving ice, water, meals, Search and Rescue and Disaster Medical Assistance teams into areas hardest hit by Hurricane Katrina. Click here to visit FEMA's web site. To apply for assistance call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The speech or hearing impaired may call (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. You may also register for assistance online here. In addition, you may find FEMA's "Help After a Disaster: Applicant's Guide to the Individuals & Households Program" helpful. To find local shelters and other state specific information please visit: Louisiana Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness (225) 925-7500 Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (601) 960-9020 Alabama Emergency Management Agency 1-800-843-0699 American Red Cross 1-866-GET-INFO (1-866-438-4636) Atlanta Red Cross 404-575-3730 Please call 404-870-4440 for up-to-date assistance and Metropolitan Atlanta shelter information. The number of shelters and their availability to take addtional people is constantly changing. HOW TO HELP Volunteer agencies provide a wide variety of services after disasters, such as clean up, childcare, housing repair, crisis counseling, sheltering and food. Below is a list of phone numbers set up solely for cash donations and/or volunteers: Atlanta Red Cross 404-575-3730 Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to: Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter of the American Red Cross P.O. Box 101590 Atlanta, GA 30392-1776. Internet Users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcrossatlanta.org American Red Cross 1-800-HELP NOW (435-7669) English, 1-800-257-7575 Spanish Southern Baptist Convention -- Disaster Relief 1-800-462-8657, ext. 6440 Salvation Army 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769) Operation Blessing 1-800-436-6348 America’s Second Harvest 1-800-344-8070 Adventist Community Services 1-800-381-7171 Catholic Charities, USA 703 549-1390 Christian Disaster Response 941-956-5183 or 941-551-9554 Christian Reformed World Relief Committee 1-800-848-5818 Church World Service 1-800-297-1516 Convoy of Hope 417-823-8998 Lutheran Disaster Response 800-638-3522 Mennonite Disaster Service 717-859-2210 Nazarene Disaster Response 888-256-5886 Presbyterian Disaster Assistance 800-872-3283 United Methodist Committee on Relief 1-800-554-8583 BUSINESSES Small businesses interested in registering their capabilities to assist in the Hurricane Katrina disaster relief efforts should visit www.fedbizopps.gov ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Relatives and loved ones who are struggling to cope with the devastation of the disaster and loss of life can contact their local American Red Cross to speak with a Disaster Mental Health volunteer. UPDATED INFORMATION ABOUT HURRICANE KATRINA For updated information about the hurricane and relief efforts, please visit the FEMA and National Hurricane Center web sites.