Evacuees Searching For Money Won't Find It From Government

About 150 evacuees of Hurricane Gustav, who came to Chattanooga on their own, are finding out quickly that government help WILL NOT be the same as Katrina.

Right now, more than 200 storm evacuees are here in the Brainder Recreation Center, which is serving as a shelter. We caught up with several New Orleans evacuees. They say bracing the third serious hurricane in three years has hit their psyche more than anything. And we found out today those who left on their own, will not get any money from FEMA or TEMA.

Silvio Medina is looking for some help to return home. "We drove with a friend, and we spent about 200 dollars because it was an eight cylinder van. It was a lot of gas." Medina, his two month old son and wife wasted no time leaving New Orleans.

Three years ago, the Coast Guard rescued him from Katrina. They're safe, have food and shelter, but no money. They are looking for monetary vouchers similar to those passed out after Katrina. "And that's what we're looking for. Because we don't know how we're going to go back. 200 dollars just to come here," Medina said.

The Medina's are not alone especially among those who evacuated on their own. Organizers at the Brainerd Rec Center say there has been some confusion from Gustav carried over from Katrina. Since the center opened over the weekend, about 150 people have registered hoping to receive monetary vouchers. But to date, there are none.

When those people found out there was no money, organizers say they left. Don Allen, Hamilton County's Director of Emergency Services, said, "A lot of people self evacuated. They spent their financial resources to get here, putting in motels, food, that kind of thing. Now, they are running out of money. How are they going to get back home? We don't have an answer right now."

But help, aside from money, is happening.For example, the Salvation Army provides hot meals, cold drinks and clothing to the evacuees. All have shelter and the Red Cross is also helping with medical needs. But money from the government doesn't appear likely.

The Salvation Army explained what they have learned from FEMA and TEMA. Kimberly George said, "We don't typically get into vouchers until it's a clean-up process. We'll help at that point. And from what I understand at this point, there are no vouchers from any agencies."

We double checked with TEMA. A spokesman says Gustav is NOT Katrina and there won't be any vouchers.

Although the Medina's are broke and dealing with their second hurricane, home is calling. " We was in Houston for a whole year after Katrina, but uh it's not the same, you gotta go back home," Medina said.

TEMA says Tennessee informed the federal government it could take up to 6,000 evacuees. Right now, TEMA says about 5,075 Gustav evacuees are in Tennessee. Meanwhile, this temporary stay should be much different and SHORTER than Katrina.

TEMA initially signed up for 15 days of shelter as opposed to several weeks and months three years ago