Public Information Office 210 S. McDonald Street Suite 626 McKinney, Texas 75069 www.collincountytx.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 8, 2005

Collin County asks volunteer residents to prepare for weeks and months ahead

(McKinney, TX) – Collin County appreciates the outpouring of time and energy by the hundreds of volunteers assisting victims of Hurricane Katrina. Persons who live in Collin County who are interested in housing evacuees other than family members are encouraged to refer those persons to shelters.

“While we appreciate the community’s generosity, we have shelters that help track people,” says Collin County Nurse Epidemiologist Janet Glowicz. “Shelter staffs can help evacuees register with FEMA and the American Red Cross, which assist persons in finding lost family members. People are safe and receive medical attention in these shelters.”

Although shelters currently serve as a safety net, the resources will eventually end.

“We are helping evacuees plan for resources one, two and three months out,” says Collin County Homeland Security Director Kelley Stone. “Currently, evacuees without homes and jobs can be cared for under the county health program. As time progresses, evacuees will be seeking employment and housing. This is where mentoring can be initiated.”

Residents are asked to continue monitoring the Collin County website for future volunteer opportunities. The web address is www.collincountytx.gov. Residents seeking to immediately register as a volunteer may call the Volunteer Center of North Texas at 214-826-6767. Although we are not in need of volunteers other than in the medical profession, persons may still register at the volunteer center for future opportunities.

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