HURRICANE KATRINA DISASTER ASSISTANCE CENTER HOURS CHANGE

Following the Columbus Day weekend, the City's Katrina Welcome Center for Hurricane Katrina evacuees will be open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. The center will no longer be open Saturdays and Sundays.

Additionally, the Welcome Center will be closed October 8-10 in observance of the Columbus Day holiday and reopen Tuesday, October 11, at 12 p.m.

Located at 80 Centre St., the Welcome Center is the entry point to the City's Disaster Assistance Service Center (DASC) for hurricane evacuees. Evacuees seeking social services from the City should report to 80 Centre St. to schedule an appointment at the DASC and fill out initial paperwork.

Staffed by representatives of several City, State and federal agencies and disaster relief organizations, the DASC addresses the needs of those displaced by last month's storm. On arrival at the DASC for their scheduled appointments, evacuees can expect to meet with staff from a host of government and voluntary agencies to discuss disaster housing, school enrollment, financial assistance for food, clothing and emergency expenses, and more. Since the DASC offers a wide array of resources, the City encourages evacuees to allow plenty of time for their visit.

For more information about the City's efforts to support victims of Hurricane Katrina, call 311 or visit NYC.gov.

CONTACT: OEM Press Office 718-422-4888