Quick Links

United Way of Odessa is working with the City of Odessa, Ector County, American Red Cross, Salvation Army, West Texas Food Bank, Odessa LINKS and other organizations in planning support efforts for approximately 70 individuals who have evacuated New Orleans and Louisiana and are living in the Odessa area.  In addition, this coalition recommends the following guidelines for donations:

• Donations of Money:  Funds are critically needed for immediate and long-term needs of evacuees and should be send to the American Red Cross, 124 E. 2^nd, Odessa, Texas, 79761; Salvation Army, P. O. Box 36607, Dallas, Texas, 75235; West Texas Food Bank, P. O. Box 4242, Odessa, Texas, 79760; United Way of Odessa, P. O. Box 632, Odessa, Texas  79760.
• Donated Items: Personal care items, bottled water, diapers and similar items may be dropped off at Salvation Army, 810 E. 11^th where they will be distributed throughout the Gulf Coast area where the Salvation Army is operating shelters and canteens.  Clothes and furniture items are not needed at this time.
• Food: non-perishable foods, especially single service items and drinks in plastic bottles, as well as water, can be dropped off at West Texas Food Bank, 1008 E. 2^nd.
• Volunteering: Contact the Red Cross at 332-5641.  Training classes for volunteers are being held.
• Assist-A-Family: Churches and community organizations who are willing to assist an entire family set up their household in apartments and houses in the Odessa community should call Odessa LINKS at 582-0099.  The specific needs of individual families will be matched with resources in the community.
• General Information: Dial 211 for comprehensive information and referral services about hurricane relief efforts.

·          United Way support of the Red Cross and Salvation Army makes it possible for those agencies to respond to disasters here and in other places.

·          United Way helps coordinate relief efforts locally, especially with donations.  We are working to make sure that people know what is needed and how to help.

·          We need to remember our local needs during times of disaster.  If someone's home burns down or they have to enter a shelter to escape violence, their personal disaster is here and United Way makes sure there is help for them.

·          United Way is working with many organizations to help prepare for evacuees that will need housing, jobs, schools, health care and other things for a long-term stay, possibly relocating here.  Our agencies will also be available to evacuees if they need child care, youth programs, counseling and other services. 

• Red Cross—332-5671, 120 E. 2^nd.  All families/individuals must check in with Red Cross and register.  IDs are being made by Red Cross and are needed to access services.  Red Cross will make a profile of the family’s needs and will make appropriate referrals.  Will assist with registration with FEMA.
• Temporary IDs/Drivers License: Department of Public Safety, 1910 I-20, 332-6100.
• Housing—333-1088, 124E. 2^nd.  All referrals for housing will be made through Odessa Housing Authority, for both public and private housing.
• Education—To register children in ECISD schools, call the ECISD Transfer Office at 332-9151.
• Health Care—Family Health Center, 840 W. Clements, 333-3888, will help evacuees with their health needs.
• Immunization/Vaccination—Ector County Health Dept., 221 N. Texas, 498-4141.  Immunization for children, plus hepatitis B and tetanus shots.
• Transportation—EZ Rider, 561-9990.  Will need to show the Red Cross ID to ride for free.
• Food—West Texas Food Bank, 1008 E. 2^nd, 580-6333
• Food Stamps—3016 Kermit Highway, 333-5141.
• Jobs—Workforce Network, 2626 JBS Parkway, Bldg. D, 367-3332.  Comprehensive listing of jobs plus job training.
• General Information

- Odessa LINKS, 582-0099.  Information and referral plus access to community resources online at www.linksodessa.info.

- 211 Permian Basin.  Dial 211 and access the most comprehensive source of information about state, federal and local services for evacuees.

• Child Care

- West Texas Opportunities Child Care Management Services.
1-800-542-5056. Referrals to licensed  day care centers and possible assistance while parent/guardian works or goes to school.

- Odessa Family YMCA, 362-4301.  Temporary emergency child care.

• Furniture/Clothes—Catholic Charities, 332-1387.  Salvation Army, 332-0738.  Goodwill, 363-4600.  Mission Odessa, 337-3761.
• Counseling—MHMR, 580-2600.  Centers for Children and Families, 337-4673.  Samaritan Counseling Center, 563-4144.  UTPB Counseling Services, 552-2365.
• Substance Abuse Resources—Permian Basin Regional Council for Alcohol and Drug Abuse, 580-5100.