The City of Hattiesburg knows a thing or two when it comes to storms, and with that knowledge also comes compassion.
The Hattiesburg Mayor’s office said they are looking to develop a process to help facilitate where evacuees from Hurricane Irma could go if they need to spend time in Hattiesburg.
Samantha McCain, Communications Director for the Hattiesburg Mayors office said Mayor Toby Barker had the initial idea and they have worked to make the connections happen. happen since then.
“We have a really great mayor who has a giving spirit, and our area specifically totally understands the impact of what it means to try to get out of harm’s way in the midst of a storm,” said McCain. “In 2005 we knew that strongly with Hurricane Katrina but we’ve also been in a place where we have been hit by several destructive tornadoes so we understand that sense of needing to belong and or be welcomed with open arms.”
McCain added that while they may not be able to be the middle man for legal reasons, they are creating a master list of resources if people do need help.
“We just want to make sure that evacuees and refugees know that Hattiesburg is a great place to be and we will help however we can and that we have a lot of resources in this area, as far as, non-profit support and we will do whatever we can to help facilitate those relationships and facilitate those conversations.
