|
|
|
|
|
|
  |
News September 16, 2005 For immediate release.Contact: Marcy Shapiro, 651-603-0390, mshapiro@tccvm.org
FREE
VOICE MAIL AVAILABLE TO Individuals and families displaced by Hurricane Katrina can receive free voice mail service through a toll-free number from Twin Cities Community Voice Mail (TCCVM). The non-profit agency is providing at least 500 voice mail numbers to survivors of the Gulf Coast disaster. The voice mail service offers a critical step toward reconnecting with family and friends. It allows those relocating in Minnesota, either temporarily or permanently, to record and receive messages, updating concerned callers on their location and status. Each person given a voice mail box will receive a private extension on the 800-number telephone system. A unique feature of this effort, designed by Cisco Systems, allows each user to be listed in a national registry of those using this special community voice mail system, so that family and friends can call to locate lost family members and leave them personal, private messages. Twin Cities Community Voice Mail has 11 years of providing a reliable communication tool to help people acquire housing, jobs, safety and health care. Over 39,000 people in crisis across the state of Minnesota have received free voice mail numbers from TCCVM. This initiative is part of a national effort of community voice mail programs located in 37 U.S. cities. Nationally, 120,000 voice mail numbers are available with technology and software from the Cisco Systems Foundation, the SBC Foundation, and Microsoft. TCCVM is offering these numbers to registrants at the Minnesota State Emergency Operations Center, 1400 Energy Park Dr., Suites 9 and 10, St. Paul. Persons relocated privately or though local churches and the organizations working with them can also access the service by calling TCCVM at 651-643-0883. TCCVM will train churches, disaster relief organizations, volunteers and other people who will be involved in welcoming people to Minnesota how to use this system.
TCCVM Annual Report  |