Hurricane Preparedness Update:

OPTIONS SAFE HAVEN

       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The need for additional vocational training space was evident before Hurricane Katrina but has been exacerbated by the increased number of individuals with disabilities moving into this area since the hurricane. Katrina also taught us that OPTIONS must provide a safe and secure shelter for individuals with disabilities during storms.  The individuals OPTIONS supports require a supported environment as well as handicapped assistive devices in order to maintain their health and safety.

 

The answer to this dilemma is: OPTIONS SAFE HAVEN.

 

SAFE HAVEN will provide a shelter for up to 100 individuals while serving on a daily basis as a vocational training center to help people acquire the skills they need to be productive citizens.

 

SAFE HAVEN will set a precedent for providing quality care for individuals with developmental disabilities that other states will seek to emulate.  

 

 

Click here to find out how you can donate to SAFE HAVEN.

 

 

SAFE HAVEN FAQ

 

What will SAFE HAVEN include?

  • 7,000 square foot building designed to withstand Category 5 hurricane force winds
  • handicapped accessible bathrooms and dressing areas, including showers for those who use wheelchairs
  • storage areas for cots, food, water, air mattresses, health-care products, and other hurricane supplies
  • dual gas generators designed to provide power for air conditioning (which is necessary for individuals with medical issues) and for kitchen and laundry facilities to maintain health and sanitation

  • gas kitchen for heating food that is healthy and meets the dietary needs of those individuals who cannot tolerate salt, sugar, and/or preservatives

 

Why not evacuate?

OPTIONS staff and volunteer Board of Directors believe strongly that SAFE HAVEN can meet the needs of individuals with disabilities, especially those with multiple disabilities and/or medical issues, in a safe and secure shelter in a familiar area.

 

What has been the regional impact on OPTIONS since Hurricane Katrina?

Due to the close proximity to Orleans and St. Bernard parishes, many families are choosing to relocate to Tangipahoa Parish.  The population of Tangipahoa Parish has grown about 26% since Hurricane Katrina.  In addition, plans to close the Metropolitan Developmental Center in Belle Chase will result in an additional need for services in this area. 

SAFE HAVEN will provide services for individuals with disabilities who were displaced by Hurricane Katrina as well as providing a shelter that is handicapped accessible for individuals with multiple disabilities.

 

What will the building be for when not being used as a shelter?

SAFE HAVEN is a most cost-effective project because it will also be used on a daily basis as a vocational training facility to help people acquire the skills they need to be productive citizens.  The expanded Vocational Training Center will meet the needs of the increased population of those with developmental disabilities in this area.

 

Is SAFE HAVEN part of the Louisiana Recovery Authority?

SAFE HAVEN is listed as one the projects needed for Hurricane Recovery in Tangipahoa Parish.  The link to this webpage is:

http://www.louisianaspeaks-parishplans.org/IndParishHomepage_ProjectListing.cfm?EntID=17

 

 

 

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