American Red Cross volunteers at the emergency Red Cross shelter in Vicksburg served breakfast to their first overnight guests since flood waters started to rise.
Wednesday night was Anita Raley and her husband's first night at the shelter.
Raley says, "I am very grateful because we thought we were going to have to get a tent and set it up somewhere and have nowhere to eat, nowhere to shower."
The shelter is located inside of the Hawkins United Methodist Church on Halls Ferry Road. It can accommodate up to 125 guests. Shelter manager Bob Athow is happy to finally serve those in need.
Athow says, "it feels good for us because it doesn't feel like we're just treading water, so it's good for us."
Now, if you are interested in coming here to the shelter in Vicksburg you don't have to worry about security, there's a security guard here on the premises 24/7 making sure everything is secure and everyone is safe and sound.
Raley says she feels comfortable at the shelter.
She and her husband came to the shelter after water filled the inside of their home. It's likely the couple and other flood victims could receive some financial help. That's because the federal government filed a disaster declaration for 14 counties.
Vicksburg Mayor Paul Winfield says, "what that means is that any area residents or business owners affected by the flooding can now call in or they can go to the FEMA web site and register under 1983DR and that will help them start the process to recoup some of their losses."
Despite their losses, Raley says she and her husband will be okay. "I think everything's going to be okay with a little help we're going to be ok if it's mother nature's call you can't stop that."
The shelter is located at 3736 Halls Ferry Road in Vicksburg.
Copyright 2011 WLBT. All rights reserved.
WLBT 3 - Fox 40
