RELEASE: September 15, 2005

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DHS Commissioner: Too Few Eligible Evacuees Applying for Aid
Urges Hurricane Katrina Evacuees to Call 2-1-1

TRENTON — Human Services Commissioner James M. Davy is imploring those in New Jersey who evacuated from the affected Gulf Region to let the state help them.

So far, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), 1,318 families have relocated to New Jersey . Of these, 250 families statewide have applied for assistance. Since all evacuees are eligible for assistance, an 18.9 percent response shows that the state can help hundreds more.

“We believe that many more families here can benefit from the social services we offer,” Commissioner Davy said. “We have to get the word out that these programs are available and that help is just three numbers away: 2-1-1 .”

2-1-1, the state's toll-free social services hotline that launched in February, connects callers in New Jersey to local, regional and state agencies for government programs such as Food Stamps, Medicaid, NJ FamilyCare, welfare, home energy assistance, child care and mental health counseling. 2-1-1 can also assist with FEMA programs.

“We are doing all we can to help hurricane victims regain a sense of normalcy to their lives,” said Acting Governor Richard J. Codey. “Calling 2-1-1 is the first step for them to take.”

The hotline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week through 10 United Way of New Jersey call centers. Through 2-1-1 , the United Way is also providing evacuees with case managers, called Care Managers, to make sure they are properly referred to the appropriate agencies and receive all the services they require. 2-1-1 is a confidential service.

“ 2-1-1 is a one-stop, simple, phone number that all people in New Jersey can use to get the help they need,” said Commissioner Davy. “ 2-1-1 gives callers the ‘where-to-go,' and ‘how-to-apply' for a variety of human services programs. In these times, when the horrors of being displaced can wreck havoc, call 2-1-1 . Compassion is at the other end of the line.”

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