NATCHEZ &045; The crisis is growing at local Red Cross shelters, with predictions that some hurricane evacuees may be here for up to a month.

Monday’s numbers of more than 900 evacuees at the shelters are expected to grow by the day when money runs out for those currently at hotels.

&uot;We are in a crisis management mode right now,&uot; Red Cross Director John Goodrich said. &uot;We are reacting.&uot;

Goodrich met with United Way Director Kathy Stephens Monday morning to evaluate financial needs. At this point, Goodrich and Red Cross workers have the authority of the National Red Cross to purchase food, water and supplies as needed.

The United Way contributed a $10,000 check Tuesday to the Red Cross.

&uot;Those who aren’t in shelters will be in shelters shortly,&uot; Stephens said. &uot;In all estimates they are going to have to open up another shelter. We are going to release as much (money) as they need to make everyone comfortable.&uot;

Comfort is a subjective word for the 315 people camped out at the Steckler Multipurpose Center, the area’s largest shelter. Some have air mattresses and mats, but others are sleeping on thin blankets.

Goodrich said the National Red Cross would soon be bringing cots for the people.

Donations of mats, blankets and pillows are being accepted.

Shelter residents also need personal items like diapers, deodorant, soap and toothpaste, and clothing.

&uot;When they left, they left thinking, I’ll be back home in a couple of days,&uot; Stephens said. &uot;But that’s just not going to happen.&uot;

Roads to most of southern Louisiana have been closed and cars are being forced to turn around. Sheriff Ronny Brown spoke with the people at Steckler Center Tuesday morning, telling them not to leave Natchez.

Up to this point local restaurants and the Natchez-Adams School District have provided meals.

Stephens asked the community, church groups or other groups, to volunteer to cook meals for those in need. Interested groups should contact the United Way at 601-442-1081.

The shelter at Parkway Baptist Church has been without power since Monday afternoon, and is need of generators and gas. Contact Jason Cole at 601-442-7434, extension 24.

Stephens said there was also a need for cell phone use, and asked anyone interested in donating a hour of their phone’s minutes to call the United Way.

Financial donations are also needed to replenish United Way funds.