CARBONDALE - Multiple religious groups have created a referral center for displaced victims of Hurricane Katrina and the imposing Rita.

Starting Monday, services will be offered at Rock Hill Baptist Church to help families find housing and furniture to fill those homes. Church vans will be used to transport refugees to the services they need to restart their lives.

"Some people might view Katrina as so far past that this might not be needed," said the Rev. Sidney Logwood of Rock Hill Church. "But with Rita coming, it might be even more important."

The referral center will be a one-stop shop for those who need information on rental properties, government assistance and medical services. It will also be a place to fill emotional needs.

"These people are going to need someone to walk alongside them for a few months," Logwood said. "It was heart wrenching to watch these events on the news. At least now we have a way to respond."

Carbondale resident Carolin Harvey said Hurricane Rita will probably send a lot of people toward Southern Illinois. She is slightly comforted by the fact that the people seem more prepared than they were for Katrina.

The church is asking for furniture and houseware donations, which will be stored in a truck trailer adjacent to Rock Hill Church at the corner of Monroe and Marion streets. However, the referral center will not be accepting food, clothing or money - instead it will direct the displaced families to the appropriate agencies for those services.

The center was formed by a collaboration among Rock Hill, the Carbondale Muslim Center, New Zion Missionary Baptist Church and Greater Gillespie Temple Church.

Sorrell Gillespie is offering eight apartments from his property management company.

"They will be free of charge; we are not asking for anything in return," Gillespie said.

Theresa Smith, a member of Rock Hill church, worries about the already stressed resources.

"A lot of the hotels are full from Texas to Oklahoma," Smith said. "People are going to continue to keep coming. With all the churches unifying, it will get done."

For more information about the referral center or to make a donation call (618) 529-1015

nicole.sack@thesouthern.com

618-529-5454 x 5816