UWG News

Hurricane evacuees housed at UWG

September 6, 2005

CARROLLTON, GA - More than 100 individuals displaced by Hurricane Katrina are currently receiving temporary housing at the University of West Georgia.

UWG opened Roberts Hall, a residence hall that had been closed following the construction of a new housing complex earlier this year. UWG officials reopened the three-story residence hall Labor Day weekend and is prepared to house up to 200 displaced individuals for up to 30 days.

According to Dr. Melanie McClellan, vice president for Student Services, there is no typical guest.

“Some have come for a couple of nights so they can get some rest and supplies before going on to another destination and some will likely be with us for the full month,” McClellan noted. “Some are folks who evacuated before the hurricane, thinking they would return to their home a few days later, and have their cars with them. Some were rescued in the hurricane's aftermath and do not have transportation.”

Arriving guests range in age from two months to 50-plus years. Several families with school-aged children are also at the hall.
Since Friday, the once-closed residence hall has been cleaned and outfitted with playrooms, reading and television lounges, counseling and consulting offices. When the guests arrive, they find a fully operational computer lab in the lobby, 24-hour security, and working telephones.

McClellan pointed out that community members wishing to help can volunteer their time or contribute to a special collection earmarked for displaced persons staying in Carrollton.

“The local churches have met the immediate need for meals and the request for bedding and toiletry items were met by this community almost immediately,” McClellan noted. “The situation is very fluid so we will communicate new needs as we determine them. We cannot begin to express our appreciation to this community for the response for these hurricane victims.”

Roberts Hall is not a “shelter” in the traditional sense of the word. Guests will be staying in residence hall rooms that house two to a room. Local churches and businesses are providing meals. A desk operation is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Local counselors and social service representatives are onsite to sort out the needs of the guests and direct them to resources. The UWG Nursing Department faculty, UWG Health Services staff, Tanner Medical Center and Carroll County Public Health officials are on hand offering services. As guests arrive, medical personnel determine and respond to their medical needs.

County and city public schools will begin registering children today.

Friday afternoon, campus officials met with about 150 representatives from numerous agencies including city and county government, Carroll County Emergency Management Agency, GEMA, American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Tanner Medical Center, both local school systems, church pastors and dozens of citizens volunteering to help.

McClellan said campus officials are working closely with emergency response personnel and local officials in all planning and implementation stages of the emergency relief. The University’s ability to offer emergency temporary housing provides county agencies an opportunity to develop strategic plans for meeting the long term needs of the displaced individuals.

Financial donations can be made at all West Georgia National Bank branches to a special fund for local hurricane relief needs. The Community Foundation of Carrollton will administer the fund.

For individuals wishing to volunteer on campus or donate specific items, please email robertshall@westga.edu with your information.

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