EVACUEE ASSISTANCE OVERVIEW

Michigan has opened its arms to the citizens of the Gulf coast who have been displaced by the effects of Hurricane Katrina. Both the state and federal governments have made a variety of immediate and long-term support services in place to ease transition.


For more information on accessing these services:

... In The State of Michigan:

For support services to evacuees opting to stay in Michigan for an extended period of time or in need of immediate transportation out of state.

Contact the Michigan Department of Human Services (MDHS) by calling the local Human Services Office 

MDHS can provide assistance with

    • Education - Assistance in school enrollment 

    • Employment– Disaster Unemployment Benefits

    • Housing Needs 

    • Medical Needs

    • Transportation Needs

    • Pets

Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross (ARC) 1-888-792-9322

To find LOVED ONES call 1-877-LOVED 1S (1-877-568-3317)

... At the Federal Level

All citizens displaced by the Hurricane should contact FEMA immediately to register. This registration can help with locating family members, accessing federal disaster relief benefits, etc.

  • US Department of Homeland Security - Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

  • Register at 1-800-612-FEMA (1-800-621-3362) or visit www.fema.gov. FEMA can provide:

  • Individual Assistance Benefits

  • Crisis Counseling

  • Job Assistance. Call1-888-4USADOL  (1-888-481-2365)  or visit www.dol.gov    

  • Disaster Unemployment Benefits   

  • Remember this process is started only with FEMA registration

  • For September payments or temporary social security cards contact the SSA

  • Survivor benefits can be handled directly by visiting local SSA Offices

  • For Mail Service visit local post office to change your address. This can also be done online.

  • Change of address is IMPORTANT to continue to receive FEMA Packets and Social Security Benefits

To locate free or low cost legal assistance:

  • Visit the Michiganlegalaid.org home page and search for local assistance by entering your zip code in the box marked “Find a lawyer, organization or related service to help you with your problem.” or

  • Look under "attorneys" in the yellow pages to find your local legal aid office, or

  • Contact the Michigan State Bar Lawyer Referral Service at (800) 968- 0738. 

  • Persons age 60 or older, regardless of their income, may be able to receive free advice from the Legal Hotline for Michigan Seniors by calling (800) 347-5297.

This article appears courtesy of the Michigan State Government.