SHELTER, River of Life Church

- ACCEPTING PRIVATE CARS/SELF EVACUATORS - OPENED 8 PM Sat. 8/30 - SITE FULL)

Spoke w/Pastor Dave at 4:40 CST 8/31 LTel:

Yesterday their max capacity was 200. They've upped it to 300 as so many evacuees are coming into their parish. Right now their pop. is 260 but he expects it to be at 300 by this evening based on the call aheads he's received today.

They NEED FOOD ASAP. Went to Sam's & bought $1000 worth of food supplies but expects that to hold out for only 2-3 days max.

Also confirmed that the Horse Barn across the street is NOT charging a boarding fee.

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INFO FOR EVACUEES:

CONTACT: Main Church Number for Evacuees: (318) 435 9200

CAPACITY: They can take up to 200 people, but it is VITAL that you call ahead to check if there are any available shelter spots left. This facility will FILL UP FAST SO DO NOT DELAY.

OPENING: This Hurricane Gustav Shelter is OPENING AT 8 PM Sat. 8/30/08. This shelter will remain open for AS LONG AS NECESSARY (They stayed open for 6 weeks with Katrina). This shelter is one of few, if not the only available to private cars/self evacuators in the Monroe area (Franklin Parish).

BEDDING: They have bedding (ie. pillows/blankets/sheets) for up to 100 beds. So if you can bring your own bedding/blankets/sheets/pillows this would be a great help. They have enough beds/roll out beds to cover up to 200 people so no air mattresses are necessary.

CHILDREN/FAMILIES: The Pastor will do his best to give families with children a Sunday School room to stay in to provide safety/privacy and comfort.

MEALS: Cooked meals will NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL MONDAY 9/1/08. If you arrive at the shelter prior to that date, you will be responsible for your own meals, so either bring non perishable food or expect to dine out until Monday.

SHOWERS/RESTROOMS: There are four church showers available (2 for ladies 2 for men) and restroom facilities available for evacuee's.

LAUNDRY: One of the church members owns a local laundromat and it will be available for use by evacuee's if extended stays are necessary. You will be required to pay for the laundry loads.

ANIMALS: Pets are accepted but they must be in a crate or kennel. The church has a small playground with a 3 foot fence and animals will be KEPT OUTSIDE as it's not safe to keep them inside the church with the main evacuee populace. You must supply feed and any other pet needs, none will be provided.

HORSES: There is a Horse Barn across the street available to evacuee's with horses. There will be no one to maintain them, so evacuee's are responsible for bringing feed and watering/feeding them.

MINISTERING: This is a non-denominational church and you are to expect that the pastor and church members will minister to you during your stay.

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URGENT NEEDS:

Non-perishable foods & canned food (ie. beans, pasta, rice, large industrial cans of veggies/large boxed mashed potatoes/rice, etc.)

Water (They have NONE)

Toiletry Kits (they currently only have about 30-40 kits on hand if not less)

Bath Towels/Washcloths

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(Information confirmed by phone call from Terra at 7:10 am CST on Sat. 8/30 & Leslie on Sat. 8/30 1 pm CST)