Shelters prep for potential impacts from Hurricane Francine
Storm shelters across South Mississippi are open today and tonight for people needing that extra protection from the storm.
“We’ve had plenty of warning for this to come in, and even though we’re short staffed, the administration has been very good about reorganizing and utilizing the staff in the best manner they can,” said American Red Cross Volunteer Linda Goforth.
With Hurricane Francine set to make landfall this evening along in Louisiana, many along the Mississippi Coast are staying prepared to feel some impacts of the storm from the potential flooding and tornadoes, some have decided to seek shelter as one of many shelters along the Mississippi Coast at D’Iberville High School.
Shelter Occupant Julian Martinez said, “I was living off the beach, I had some I’m going to call them family, because they’ve been really good to me. They’ve helped me out a lot. They gave me a ride over here because they knew I needed it. I walk pretty much everywhere I go. It puts things into perspective for you that you know that there are good, God-fearing people out there that actually care about their community.”
“But right now, we just this morning, opened one in Vancleave, we’re opening this one. We’ve got one opening on County Farm. We have seven scheduled to go online today, and as you can see, we already have clients here. We’ve got 35 clients over at County Farm,” said Goforth.
“At the moment, there’s just three of us, but we’re probably expecting more as the weather starts turning. I don’t know the particulars how on people are going to get here. I know a few people that are homeless out there, except that they were going to wind up showing up here. I don’t know what time,” said Martinez.
“And we’ll keep this open as long as we need to, and it’s not due to hit until a little bit later this afternoon. So, I’m assuming that we’re going to be picking up clients steadily the rest of the afternoon,” said Goforth.
“My best guess is that Jesus has his hand on it and he’s going to take care of it says, you know, not to worry. He’s got everything under control. So, keep God first,” said Martinez.
