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City of Seattle
Gregory J. Nickels (former Mayor)
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NEWS ADVISORY
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| SUBJECT: Mayor launches toll-free number for Katrina evacuees
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
11/8/2005 10:30:00 AM |
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Alex Fryer (206) 233-9257
Julie Moore (206) 684-0604
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Mayor launches toll-free number for Katrina evacuees
Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle to staff
the new toll-free referral service
SEATTLE - Mayor Greg Nickels today approved money for a toll-free 800 number
at the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle to connect Hurricane Katrina and
Rita evacuees with housing and other essential services available in the Greater
Seattle area.
“When you’ve lost everything, even the cost of a phone call could
be a barrier to getting services, especially for those living in hotels,” Nickels
said. “I’d like to thank the Urban League for agreeing to be the
central resource and referral service for Hurricane Katrina evacuees.”
The toll-free line is 1-800-368-1455. The City is entering into a contract
with the Urban League to pay the costs of operating the number for six months.
The Urban League will staff the line, providing information on local assistance
as well as FEMA requirements.
“We have been working to provide evacuees with assistance since they
began arriving here in Seattle,” said Urban League CEO James Kelly. “The
1-800 number the City is funding will help us make local resource information
more readily available to our new Seattle residents.”
The State of Washington Emergency Management Division provides a list of statewide
resources through its toll-free number, 1-800-941-2930.
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Office of the Mayor
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