[Katrina-IT-Volunteers] Counseling, and FEMA applications

[Ray Shea]

Is there any way we can get some kind of official
instructions on how to fill out the FEMA application? 
I think all of us signed up expecting that we would be
"helping people use the internet", but this has put us
all in the role of being experts on how to apply for
FEMA benefits, which I know none of us are.

I'm so afraid I might be messing up people's benefits
because I'm telling them the wrong way to do things.

Two things to know:  they need to have a PO Box set up
before you fill out the application; you shouldn't be
using the 500 E Cesar Chavez address.  Unfortunately
the post office only gives out PO boxes during the
day, so if somebody hasn't got one yet and they come
by in the evening to fill out their FEMA, they have to
wait til tomorrow.

They also need to have an email address before
applying to FEMA, in order to create an account to
check their application status.


Finally, next time you come on shift, make sure you
find out where the counseling and chaplain services
are.  They're easy to find on the map, but if you go
through the big door next to the computers from the
family room to the single mens room, there will be a
door on your left, through that door just follow the
signs for chaplains and counseling.  Make sure you do
this before you start helping people, so that you're
prepared in case you need it.  I've heard one report
of a volunteer meeting a lady who was calmly
discussing suicide, and the volunteer did not know
where to find the lady the help she needed.

ray


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