Local United Way coordinating relief efforts

Friday, March 21, 2003 | 10:01 a.m.

The United Way of Southern Nevada is trying to help families with members in the military at war with Iraq and is coordinating relief efforts.

It has set up a hotline for military families to get referrals for assistance: 892-2319.

The phone line opens today and will provide information on local human services and provisions available to them. The phone lines will operate from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. After business hours, callers may leave a message and their call will be returned the next working day. Volunteer military personnel will staff the phone lines.

To eliminate duplicating services, the United Way will work with Nellis Family Support Center at Nellis Air Force Base, HELP of Southern Nevada, the American Red Cross, Southern Nevada Chapter, Consumer Credit Counseling and agency partners.

"United Way of Southern Nevada is partnering with military representatives, human service agencies, local industry and organized labor to provide a seamless network of services to support our local military family members," Dan Goulet, president and CEO of United Way of Southern Nevada, said.

In addition to the hotline other support, such as financial assistance and town meetings, will be offered to families of Army Reserve and National Guard troops, Gena Satori, United Way communications director, said.

By collaborating, agencies will provide health and human services to families who may require services beyond military benefits.

On April 1 the United Way will train and educate about 20 local human care agencies.

By mid-April town halls meetings will offer a forum for education and awareness of community resources. Times and dates will be announced.