Support center hours extended through Tuesday

BOSTON--The City of Boston, the Boston Public Health Commission, and 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East announced this evening that the resource center to assist the victims and families impacted by the Haiti earthquake will extend its hours until Tuesday, in order to meet the continuing needs of the local Haitian community. Updated official hours for the resource center are as follows:

• Friday, January 15, 2010 - 9:00 a.m. through 9:00 p.m.
• Saturday, January 16, 2010 - 9:00 a.m. through 9:00 p.m.
• Sunday, January 17, 2010 - Noon through 5:00 p.m.
• Monday, January 18, 2010 - 9:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, January 19, 2010 - 9:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m.

At the resource center, individuals and families can make free international phone calls to Haiti and also use free computers and FAX access to track down information. Professional counselors trained in trauma support are available during all support center hours. Child care is also available for members of the community utilizing the services of the support center. Haitian Creole translators are available to assist with all services.

The center is being operated out of the 1199SEIU headquarters, located on the 3rd floor of the Bayside Expo Office Center at 150 Mount Vernon Street in Dorchester. Individuals looking for more information can contact the center by calling (617) 284-1199. The MBTA station closest to the center is the JFK/UMass Red Line stop.

"Boston's ties to Haiti are very deep, and our thoughts and prayers go out not only to the victims of this tragedy, but also to the Haitian community in our city whose loved ones have been affected by the disaster," Mayor Menino said. "On behalf of the City of Boston, I offer my deepest condolences to those impacted by this horrible tragedy. As a city, we will come together to support the Haitian community both here in Boston and abroad in any way possible."

"We pledge to support Haitian relief efforts with any resources we can offer," said 1199SEIU President George Gresham, "This tragedy hits 1199SEIU members very close to home. We extend our deepest condolences to all who have lost loved ones."

The relief fund for local families with ties to Haiti, named the "Fund for Boston Neighborhoods, Inc. - Haitian Family Relief," will be administered by Bank of America. Donations to the fund can be made by visiting any Bank of America branch in Boston.

More updates and further information about the city's assistance efforts can be found at: www.cityofboston.gov.

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