Hurricane Katrina

Debit card confusion, evacuee frustration

07:58 PM CDT on Wednesday, September 7, 2005

By DEBBIE DENMON / WFAA-TV

WFAA-TV

A frustrated man argues with a FEMA employee about the lack of organization at the registration center.

The head of FEMA mentioned on national television shows Tuesday plans to pass out debit cards to storm evacuees in need. That news soon spread quickly and evacuees were anxiously awaiting their cards in Dallas.

However, dozens of evacuees were soon frustrated that they stood in line for hours believing they would get those $2,000 debit cards put into their hands, but no signs of any such cards arrived. The lack of communication and organization soon led to complaints from storm evacuees ready to get their life started again.

"I've been paying taxes since I was 16-years-old and I just want to be able to move on with life," said Sparkle Kelly. "Stop telling lies. Get correct information."

Soon those waiting in line began to express their anger towards FEMA employees.

"You are saying one thing, you got another FEMA person saying something else," said one frustrated person to a FEMA worker. "Yet, you still have people waiting, confusion. It's simple...Where is the bull horn?"

What many evacuees didn't know at the FEMA registration center was that there were no debit cards in Dallas and that the cards have only been available in Houston.

"FEMA is actually providing debit cards in the Astrodome for today," said Justo Hernandez, a FEMA spokesperson. "It is a pilot program, and it starts today and not all people are going to get debit cards."

That was news to many of those standing in line.

"So, we are supposed to starve, and wait and can't move on in life until people in Houston see if something works or not?" Kelly said.

While the debit cards are intended for emergencies to pay for things like food, gas, transportation and hotels, it is not the only form of assistance.

"If you have a mailing address, a proper mailing address that is getting you you're mail, you don't need debit cards," Hernandez said. "The money will be sent to your mailing address."

Money could also be sent straight to bank accounts electronically if those in need have their bank routing number and account information.

Sources recently said that Houston has not handed out debit cards to storm evacuees either. No date has been given when debit cards will be available in Dallas.

E-mail ddenmon@wfaa.com