The American Red Cross has relocated evacuees from Hurricane Katrina from their emergency shelter at Georgia Tech's Alexander Memorial Coliseum to a hotel. The move is being done at the behest of the Red Cross to provide evacuees with living conditions more comparable to a home than a temporary shelter.

"Our plan was to get evacuees to more permanent and private accommodations by Friday," said Metro Atlanta Red Cross CEO Tim English.

"Georgia Tech's response has been incredible. The Georgia Tech faculty, students and staff were right there helping provide services, and Georgia Tech has bent over backwards to help in any way they could. We are most grateful for their support."

Last Friday, the Red Cross began using Alexander Memorial Coliseum as a temporary evacuation center for several hundred evacuees from hurricane-affected areas. The Coliseum housed evacuees but mainly served as a distribution point for evacuees to obtain food and clothing.

Through Thursday night, the Red Cross will still provide food, clothing, food stamps, computers and phone lines at the Coliseum to evacuees who do not need shelter. The mini pharmacy is still in operation, and a social security representative is still in place. Distribution of the Red Cross debit cards has been moved to the Adamsville shelter.

Persons wishing to donate money, clothing, food and other items should contact the American Red Cross at 1-800- HELP NOW. To volunteer with the Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter of the American Red Cross, call 404-876-3302.

Georgia Tech would like to thank the countless Georgians who brought food, clothing and other much needed items to evacuees staying at Tech. Your generosity is much appreciated.

Georgia Tech is grateful to have had this opportunity to help those affected by Hurricane Katrina take their first steps toward rebuilding their lives. Georgia Tech's faculty, staff and students will continue to work with the Atlanta community to provide aid to anyone affected by the hurricane.