Hurricane Katrina Survivors Volunteer To Help Gustav Evacuees

"You didn't know anybody, you didn't have anything and you didn't know who to call," Torres recalled.

Torres came to Chattanooga one day before Katrina hit her Gulf Coast home.

McKevitt came a couple weeks later.

They've been here ever since.

And now they've joined more than a dozen other people interested in becoming a Red Cross Volunteer.

"We were treated wonderfully by the Red Cross. It gave us everything we needed..From clothes to food to housing to emotional support," Torres said.

"It's our turn," McKevitt added.

Their turn to give that same support back.

"These people are in a stressful situation. They don't know what they're going back to," Julia Wright told the group. Wright is with the Hiwassee Chapter of the American Red Cross

"What people don't realize is when you evacuate, it takes money...you have kids you're taking with you, pets, hotel bills, restaurant bills and you have all that that's out of pocket and you're not going to work," Torres said.

"I just want them to know they're in a good place, in a better place until they can go back home or if you choose to stay here. There is always a new beginning," McKevitt added.

Torres, McKevitt and the other people at the information session could be called on to help in shelters in the coming days.

It's unclear how long the evacuees will be staying in the Scenic City.

"You can feed them and give them a place to stay, but when you become a friend. That's really where it's at," Torres added.

The Red Cross says they're greatful for the volunteer response.