Offering housing to evacuees? (Houston, Dallas: apartment, homes, safe)

[tgannaway89]

Just curious if anyone will be housing any evacuees with Hurricane Gustav fast approaching. I have two extra rooms in my apartment and am open to the idea. Where would be the best place to post info. on these available rooms so that evacuees can get into contact with me.

[ShaneSA]

I would not do it unless you get the referral from an agency. Red Cross may be looking for places to put people. For safety sake, be sure that whoever you take in is registered and screened with an agency. It's a very benevelent thing to do, but safety is the first concern.

[Chaka]

You can try putting up an ad on Craigslist.

If people come through the reception center at Port San Antonio, they won't be sent to private homes. Private homes would have to be appropriately vetted before the city took on that liability. Red Cross is not involved in placing people out of shelters at this time.

btw - the City of San Antonio runs and manages the shelters. The American Red Cross assists with the non-medical staffing. This is different from how shelters were managed in the past.

[wCat]

It's a very nice gesture on your part. If too many end up in SA....you might put the word out among family and friends that you have room. If they stay is longer than a night or so, they might welcome a safe harbor with an acquaintance they know.

We spent Christmas away two years ago...and we opened our home to a family of a marine at BAMC that had been burned badly in Iraq. His parents were neighbors of a friend in Dallas. They were staying at the Marine Lodging (forgot the name at this moment) and were very comfortable....but they did appreciate feeling a bit more at home for Christmas.

I agree to be very careful.....but if you have some connection, then you'll be doubly blessed.

[Paka]

Originally Posted by tgannaway89

Just curious if anyone will be housing any evacuees with Hurricane Gustav fast approaching. I have two extra rooms in my apartment and am open to the idea. Where would be the best place to post info. on these available rooms so that evacuees can get into contact with me.

Please be careful and do not put yourself or your family at undue risk...there was a story of an elderly lady that did the same in Houston during Katrina and they murdered her to steal from her.

I am sure that there might be a way to open your home after a screening process, but Craigslist is not a way I would want to risk something like that.

I did some major closet cleaning yesterday and took blankets, excess pillows and clothes and canned food yesterday.