We in Florida's workforce system are keenly aware of the devastation and disruption of lives caused by hurricanes, having lived through Andrew, last year's series that strafed the entire state, and even the first strike of Katrina hitting South Florida this year. We are also increasingly aware of the tens of thousands of evacuees from New Orleans, South Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Most are now staying with family, friends or in motels/hotels clustered along the I-10 corridor from Pensacola to Jacksonville, with more downstate. It is now almost routine for us to help with short-term refugees who need a few days of out-of-town shelter/help, but then go home to mostly intact homes and jobs. However it is sadly clear that this will be very different, especially for New Orleans and other most devastated area refugees who are not going home quickly.

Those still in New Orleans and other devastated areas are struggling for the basic essentials for survival-- food, water, escape from the floodwaters, shelter, and health care. So those are the top priorities on site, with Florida and other states sending National Guard, police, medical staff, volunteers, food, water and other emergency necessities. However the evacuees already in Florida and other border states are now facing second echelon problems, several of which are related to loss of employment and income, and need for funds to continue living in temporary exile. Those are the needs that Florida's workforce system (AKA Employ Florida) is mobilizing to address. We have over 30 workforce One-Stop centers strategically located in cities along the I-10 and I-75 corridors in North Florida east to Jacksonville and South to Ocala, as well as a robust internet-based set of services/information that can be accessed electronically. The directory of our local workforce boards and One-Stops, as well as job search capability can be found at www.employflorida.net.

We have also obtained information from the Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana on how their evacuated citizens can apply for Unemployment Compensation and Disaster Unemployment Assistance by phone, internet and through the Florida system and offices. Additionally although we do not have direct authority/funds to cover housing needs, food stamps or provide FEMA, SBA or other federal assistance, we can provide the most current information and guidance that we have. Our local staff want to help evacuees, especially in our field of workforce/employment expertise. And Florida employers are offering temporary and permanent jobs, specifically for Katrina evacuees. Personal computers at our One-Stops are available for displaced workers to apply for assistance from their home states, look for temporary work here in Florida, prepare/update resumes, and access other needed services/information provided on the web. Let us help you along with our Florida job seekers and employers.