OPTIONS clients and staff sheltered at LaCasa 
during Gustav.  Clientscould not return to their
homes until power was restored.                                                                                                                                                                                         

OPTIONS Chief Executive Officer, Sylvia Bush, said that the hurricane really underscored the need for SAFE HAVEN.  “We were required to divide our resources and our staff into three locations,” Bush said.  “At one point, after the storm had passed, we were unable to get to LaCasa because a tree blocked the road.”  SAFE HAVEN will be constructed as a hurricane shelter, designed to provide safety for up to 100 individuals, but it will also be used every day to expand the OPTIONS Vocational Training program.  Click here to learn more about SAFE HAVEN.  So far, the State of Louisiana has provided planning funds but no construction funds have been allocated.  Commissioner of Administration Angele Davis told the State Bond Commission in August that she recommends a portion of the state surplus be used to fund some of the  projects listed in Priority Five.  The remainder of the funding for SAFE HAVEN is in Priority Five. 

“We were encouraged by Commissioner Davis’ statement,” Bush said.  “But it could be a long process.  First, the Revenue Sharing Commission must determine just how much the surplus is, and they haven’t even met yet.  After that, the Governor, Commissioner Davis and the legislature will decide which Priority Five projects will be funded this year.  We only hope and pray that SAFE HAVEN is one of them.” 

YOU CAN HELP!!!

You can help OPTIONS get funding for SAFE HAVEN by writing to Governor Bobby Jindal, Commissioner of Administration Angele’ Davis, and the members of the legislature who  represent this area.  Please personalize your letter by explaining your connection with OPTIONS (friend, family member, supporter, etc) and then ask that funds for SAFE HAVEN be allocated as quickly as possible so that OPTIONS clients can be safe and secure before another storm heads this way.   

Governor Bobby Jindal
PO Box 94004
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9004
Phone: 225-342-7015 or 866-366-1121 (Toll Free)
Fax: 225-342-7099
To e-mail Gov Jindal go to www.gov.state.la.us and hit the interact button.

Commissioner of Administration Angele Davis
Claiborne Building
1201 N. Third St.
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Local: (225) 342-7000
Toll Free: (800) 354-9548
Fax:(225) 342-1057
Email:doacommissioner@la.gov

Sen. Jack Donahue
P.O. Box 896
Mandeville, LA 70471
donahuej@legis.state.la.us
985-727-7949

 Sen. Julie Quinn
3330 N. Causeway Blvd
Metairie, LA 70002
quinnj@legis.state.la.us
504-219-4640

Sen. Ben Nevers
724 Avenue F
Bogalusa, LA 70427
neversb@legis.state.la.us
985-732-6863

Sen. Dale Erdey
P.O. Box 908
Livingston, LA 70754
erdeyd@legis.state.la.us
225-686-2881

Rep. Steve Pugh
114 NE Railroad Ave
Ponchatoula, LA 70454
pughs@legis.state.la.us
985-386-7844

Rep. John Schroder
819 W. 13^th Avenue
Covington, LA 70433
schrodej@legis.state.la.us
985-893-6262

Rep. John Bel Edwards
P.O. Box 160
Amite, LA 70422
edwardsj@legis.state.la.us
985-748-2245