AARP Mississippi Helps 50+ Population Recover from Katrina
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2005-10-27 14:06:37
In an effort to assist the 50+ population still recovering from Hurricane Katrina, AARP Mississippi is launching an RV tour of southern Mississippi and the Gulf Coast. The tour, called AARP Mississippi K.A.R.E.S. (Katrina Assistance Resources Education Services), will provide information on consumer fraud and assistance filling out FEMA, insurance and other important forms.
"AARP Mississippi is committed to helping its members and the 50+ population in southern Mississippi recover from Hurricane Katrina's devastating aftermath," said Sherri F. Davis, AARP Mississippi State Director. "AARP, through its strong volunteer base and national support, is uniquely positioned to be a resource to members in the affected area."
The tour kicks off at the State Capitol in Jackson on Nov. 2 and ends Nov. 18.
The tour stops are:
| Laurel | Nov. 2, 3 |
| Hattiesburg | Nov. 4 |
| Petal | Nov. 4, 5 |
| Poplarville | Nov. 5 |
| Picayune | Nov. 6 |
| Waveland | Nov. 7 |
| Bay St. Louis | Nov. 8 |
| Gulf Port | Nov. 9, 10 |
| Biloxi | Nov. 11, 12 |
| Ocean Springs | Nov. 13, 14 |
| Gautier | Nov. 15 |
| Pascagoula | Nov. 16, 17 |
| Moss Point | Nov. 18 |
State and national AARP staff will join local volunteers to provide resources and information to help members:
- Avoid consumer fraud
- Access state and federal assistance
- Complete important disaster assistance and tax forms
- Access other community resources, such as counseling services
AARP has provided Katrina relief in a number of ways including, offering employee donation matches and donating $1 million for grants to help organizations assist people in the affected area. AARP attorneys from Washington, D. C. are working with the Mississippi Young Lawyers Association to be a resource to seniors in the affected area.
"Older Americans have special needs as a result of the disaster, and AARP is prepared to advocate on behalf of the 50+ population; provide consumer education on fraud and assist older residents with completion of applications for assistance," Davis said.
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