Arkansas links for hurricane relief

Even though I live in the northern part of Arkansas, we are still beginning to see evacuees from Louisiana pour into the area. Southern and central portions of the state are seeing large numbers of people, so I wanted to provide info here about what services the state is offering.

Update: Estimates on the number of evacuees entering the state are now available. White House officials are saying a minimum of 20,000 people will be arriving here over the next few days. The governor has set up a program for Katrina victims where they can register for assistance. Here is the site with information on that, it gives an overview of the progam and lists locations where folks can register (it includes this CNN site, where survivors names are listed). All 75 counties are under emergency orders to accept evacuees so, atleast until they are full, all shelters should be accepting people.

I mention below that Governor Huckabee has been doing a terrific job. Earlier today he stated, "Right now when you see people in cars with Mississippi or Louisiana plates, and you see people who are obvious refugees from the storm...go and offer to put $20 worth of gas in their vehicle."

Eric at Eric's Grumbles has numerous links up about the various relief efforts and what the blogging commumity can do to help, definitely check it out.

I mention below church and citizen groups that are finding temporary homes for people. Now the Arkansas Realtors Association has set up a registry where anyone who has room for people can sign up. Here is an article with links on that, I'm sure it also lists the homes that currently have space.

Arkansas nursing homes with available beds are offering space to hurricane victims. Click here for that.

My understanding is that the campsites in all state parks are now open to evacuees. I'll get a link up once this is verified.

Update: The Arkansas Parks and Tourism website has a lengthy list of hotels, shelters and parks that are helping out, click here for that. The department has also announced that all visitor centers in the state are providing directions for refugees, letting them know where specifically they can go for immediate assistance.

All elementary schools are accepting Louisiana students, and the state colleges are offering various discounts on tuition. It is free in some cases, I think they are still working out the specifics. Here's the info.

All Arkansas pharmacies are offering refills on prescriptions for LA residents over the next four weeks.

Churches are beginning to put together housing arrangements for evacuees, here is a list. There is also a website set up by citizens in the area who, with the support of the Red Cross, are accepting people into their homes. Visit www.openyourhome.com for more.

A variety of business are offering free services to people coming into the state, here is the list.

If you're feeling down and think pictures of seahorses might cheer you up click here.

Also want to mention that, although I've never liked Mike Huckabee as a governor, he's really doing a terrific job right now with the hurricane relief. He has a big heart and deserves a lot of credit for opening the state up to the extent that he has.