Red Cross debit cards handed out in Houston (FEMA's in "2 weeks")

[rainbow4321]

http://blogs.chron.com/domeblog/archives/2005/09/update_on_red_c.html

The lines may still be long, but Red Cross debit cards are already in the hands of some hurricane victims stranded at Reliant Park. What's more, the disaster-aid organization has come up with a plan to distribute them to evacuees living elsewhere.

The rules have changed since first reported, so read closely:

Today's handout is reserved for the 7,188 evacuees still living at Reliant Park's Astrodome, Reliant Center and the hospital set up at Reliant Arena. Evacuees who've already moved out will have to wait until this weekend.

http://blogs.chron.com/domeblog/archives/2005/09/red_cross_debit.html

Faced with a wait of a week or more for debit cards from FEMA, Houston's evacuees are jumping at the chance for debit cards handed out by the Red Cross.

A mile-long line was snaking into Reliant Center this morning, and the Red Cross hasn't even made an announcement about its plans yet. Most of those in line said they received appointment times last night.

For now, the Red Cross is only confirming that the debit cards are different than the ones to be provided by the federal government, but the Red Cross cards are already popping up in Reliant Park.

Those registered at the city's four megashelters -- the Astrodome, the Reliant Center, Reliant Arena and the George R. Brown Convention Center -- are reportedly eligible to receive the card, which will carry balances of up to a couple thousand dollars, depending on a family's size and the children's age.

[acmejack]

1. See a charitable organization is more efficient than Government!

Proves we need to abolish it. Americans have historically opened their wallets to tragedy.

Republicon talking point 73394, rev G

[CdnObserver]

2. Since this is the Red Cross, are there any "liability waiver" issues?

Like the money that was paid to the families of 9/11 victims, so long as they gave up their right to sue?

I hear FEMA cards are coming in a few weeks, I think it would be good to read the fine print on THOSE cards...

[acmejack]

3. No doubt!

Probably a loan with 50% interest rate or worse.