Survivors finding way to Seattle

Washington state continued to plan for the arrival of hundreds of Hurricane Katrina evacuees Thursday. Even though the federal government said earlier this week that it did not plan to send a large number here, uprooted families and individuals are trickling into the Seattle area.

Gov. Christine Gregoire said the Federal Emergency Management Agency confirmed that it may send evacuees to Washington sometime after Wednesday. The state has also been included in the National Disaster Declaration, making it eligible for funds to help hurricane victims.

"I am pleased that it looks like there may be a way for our state to assist a number of evacuees," Gregoire said.

Neighboring Oregon is preparing for the possible arrival of about 500 refugees this weekend, according to Gov. Ted Kulongoski.

Earlier this week, Washington had braced to receive as many as 2,000 evacuees, but the federal government stopped mass evacuations on Wednesday.

Because Washington is included in the disaster declaration, it can expect 125 to 500 people, said Rob Harper, a spokesman for the state's Emergency Management Division.

So far, more than 100 people have made their way from the disaster area to the Red Cross's Seattle office in Rainier Valley.

FEMA's plan for those left homeless by the hurricane is shifting daily, and Washington's role could expand, according to the Emergency Management Division.

To prepare, state officials are searching for places to house evacuees. Fort Lewis is no longer an option because a brigade of Idaho National Guard troops is slated to return there soon, Harper said.

As part of the effort, Gregoire appointed Kurt Hardin on Thursday as the state coordinator who will oversee aid programs that are part of the national emergency response. Hardin is with the Emergency Management Division.

In the Puget Sound region, the Seattle Housing Authority identified 30 vacancies in its stock of public housing and money for 80 rental vouchers.

Money continues to flow from Seattle to the Gulf Coast. The local Red Cross reported that it has raised $8 million from residents in King and Kitsap counties. The number doesn't include hundreds of fund-raisers.

Seattle-based Amazon.com has collected nearly $11 million so far from customers donating to the Red Cross through a link on the retailer's Web site.

In Oregon, Kulongoski received a call Thursday morning from the Federal Emergency Management Agency designating Oregon as a "receiving state" for the potential arrival of hurricane refugees on Saturday, a spokeswoman said.

In addition, President Bush declared a state of emergency Wednesday in Oregon to make funding available from government and eligible non-profit agencies.

RESOURCES FOR EVACUEES, LOCALS

EVACUEES ALREADY IN WASHINGTON

Gov. Christine Gregoire's office advises all evacuees who have come to Washington on their own to stay with friends and family to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or by logging on to www.fema.gov in order to receive FEMA assistance.

Washington state has set up a disaster assistance help line for evacuees -- 800-688-3469. If you have come to the Seattle area and are seeking aid, you also can make an appointment with the local American Red Cross chapter by calling 206-323-2345.

TO HELP THE VICTIMS

Gregoire's office said cash donations can be made to Washington Cares, a fund set up by the governor with Washington Mutual Bank. Donations can be made at any Washington Mutual branch around the state and will go to the Red Cross. To donate time, goods or services, call the state's Operation Evergreen hot line at 800-941-2930.

This report includes information from The Associated Press. P-I reporter Paul Nyhan can be reached at 206-448-8145 or paulnyhan@seattlepi.com.

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