Federal agencies continue to bring resources on line to suuport and assist those affected by Hurricane Katrina. The Department of Health and Human Services has announced the availability of a toll- free hotline for people in crisis in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. By dialing 1/800-273-TALK (1/800- 273-8255), callers will be connected to a network of local crisis centers across the country that are committed to crisis counseling. Callers to the hotline will receive counseling from trained staff at the closest certified crisis center in the network.

"We have all been touched by this tragedy, and profound sadness, grief, and anger are normal reactions that many people may experience," HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt said. "We want people to know that we have a nationwide team of crisis counseling experts available to help people through their grief and loss."

The network is run by HHS' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and involves more than 110 certified crisis centers. People who are in emotional distress or suicidal can call at any time from anywhere in the nation to talk to a trained worker who will listen to and assist callers in getting the mental health help they need. People will be provided with immediate access to local resources, referrals and expertise.

In addition, please take note of the following numbers posted by federal agencies to provide assistance:

FEMA Disaster Assistance Registration is available at 800/621-3362. This number is for use by people in designated federal disaster areas. Callers will give Social Security number, a description of losses, provide some financial information, and give directions to the damaged property.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development has established a single toll-free housing hotline, 1/888-297-8685, to assist the victims of Hurricane Katrina on all housing issues and questions. The number operates from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. CDT, seven days a week.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has set up a toll-free number - 800/ 507-4571 - for veterans who normally receive health care at VA facilities in New Orleans, Gulfport, and Biloxi, Mississippi. The number can also be used by family members concerned about the location of veterans who were hospitalized at those facilities. The Gulfport facility has been closed, and the New Orleans medical center has been evacuated. The Biloxi facility is still operational.

The number will be staffed continuously for the duration of the emergency. By calling that number, people can find out about receiving health care for veterans evacuated from the storm area; receiving prescription drugs for veterans in the stricken area; locating evacuated VA patients; and any other health care questions for veterans in the area affected by the storm.

The Department of Labor has established a National Contact Center 1/866-4-USA-DOL for inquiries about unemployment insurance, disaster unemployment insurance, and National Emergency Grants.

The Social Security Administration is working to ensure that monthly payments get to beneficiaries affected by Hurricane Katrina. For paper checks: The United States Postal Service (USPS) has suspended mail service in some areas damaged by Hurricane Katrina. USPS is establishing temporary mail delivery stations so you can pick up your Social Security check. To help prevent identity fraud, USPS will ask you for a photo ID. If you are not able to go to a temporary mail delivery station, you can go to any open Social Security office and request an immediate payment. For Direct Deposit: If you receive your Social Security payment by direct deposit, your Social Security payment is scheduled to be deposited to your account as usual. However, if you experience any difficulty getting your payment, you can go to any open Social Security office and request an immediate payment. For more information on the nearest open Social Security office, you can call 1/800-772-1213.