Marketing & Communications
Division of University Relations and Development
News Release
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Contact: Jason Foster Gayle Falkenthal SAN DIEGO Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2005 -- San Diego State University, in cooperation with the local chapter of the American Red Cross, has offered to establish a shelter on the SDSU campus that could temporarily house as many as 600 people who have fled the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. It is uncertain if or when the shelter, to be located at Peterson Gymnasium, might be needed. The American Red Cross has told SDSU it will have 24 hours notice of any evacuees coming to San Diego. Upon notice from the Red Cross, Peterson Gym activities will be relocated to the Aztec Recreation Center to allow preparation of the shelter to begin. While American Red Cross officials anticipate the shelter would be needed only for several weeks, SDSU has agreed to make the building available for as long as 60 days if needed. “There are so many people that need help. We want to do our part,” said SDSU President Stephen L. Weber. “These evacuees have endured a lot -- not only the fury of Katrina, but loss of their homes, separation from loved ones, and destruction of their livelihood. We hope providing this shelter will help them get started on the road to recovery.” During the fall semester Peterson Gymnasium is normally used for Exercise and Nutritional Sciences department classes, by several of SDSU’s intercollegiate athletic teams for competition or practice, and for several recreational sports activities. “The American Red Cross couldn’t be more appreciative of the cooperation and support we’re receiving from San Diego State,” said Ronne Froman, CEO of the San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter of the American Red Cross. If members of the community want to support this relief effort, the American Red Cross is encouraging monetary contributions. Information on how to donate is available at the American Red Cross' San Diego chapter site at www.sdarc.org, the American Red Cross' national site at www.redcross.org, or over the phone at 1-800-HELP-NOW. No monetary or material donations will be accepted at the shelter. Those wishing to volunteer are encouraged to contact San Diego County's new services hotline by dialing (858) 300-1211. Those willing to give available housing should contact the American Red Cross at (619) 542-7400 and then press 6. Horizon Christian Fellowship (HCF) is accepting donations of food, toiletries, clothing and toys for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. HCF is located at 8888 Balboa Avenue San Diego, CA 92123, (858) 277-4991. In addition to its offer to establish the shelter, San Diego State is enrolling dozens of undergraduate and graduate students from Gulf Coast colleges and universities shut down by Hurricane Katrina. SDSU’s Athletics department and its supporters also raised $15,300 at the SDSU-UCLA football game Sept. 3 to aid the relief effort. EDITOR’S NOTE: The shelter area in Peterson Gymnasium (located on 55th Street, across from Cox Arena) will be open for media tours on a limited basis prior to the arrival of the first evacuees. Once evacuees begin to use the shelter, access inside the building will be restricted to protect the privacy of evacuees. San Diego State University is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Since it was founded in 1897, the university has grown to offer bachelor’s degrees in 81 areas, master’s degrees in 72 areas and doctorates in 16 areas. SDSU’s nearly 33,000 students participate in an academic curriculum distinguished by direct faculty contact and an increasing international emphasis that prepares students for a global future. For more information, visit www.sdsu.edu. ### |
