Austin Evacuee Services Continue

As of today, around 1,500 evacuees were staying at five shelters in the Austin area at the Austin Convention Center (1,196), Delco Center (144), Burger Center (79), University of Texas J.J. Pickle Research Center (44 medical special needs), and the former Bowie Elementary School in San Marcos (between 118).

According to the City of Austin's OEM:

Additional services are being made available to Hurricane Ike evacuees who need assistance with housing and food:

FEMA is coordinating care for those unable to return to their homes on the Texas coast. Evacuees are encouraged to call 800/621-3362 or visit www.FEMA.gov to register with FEMA so they are in the system when federal assistance begins. There are currently no assistance centers for evacuees in the Austin area.

People who do not have access to the Internet can visit any Austin Public Library for free access.

The Capital Area Food Bank is collecting certain items to make emergency boxes filled with food and supplies for evacuees. Evacuees not staying at shelters can go to the food bank for an emergency box, noon-5pm, through Fri., Sept. 19, at 8201 S. Congress Ave., between William Cannon Drive and Slaughter Lane.

Shelters in the Austin area are full or near capacity. For information on Austin shelters, call the City of Austin Hurricane Hotline at 512/974-1110. For information regarding other shelters outside the Austin area, call 2-1-1.