UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Oil Spill Resources and Claims Fair (Biloxi, July 8 @ 10pm-8pm): In partnership with Asian Americans for Change and other local organizations, BPSOS will hold an “Oil Spill Resources and Claims Fair” on July 8, 2010 from 12pm to 8pm at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum. This one-stop shop information fair will provide updates about BP claims, VOO program, as well as assistance and resources available for community members and businesses affected by the oil spill. There will be information on how to apply for food stamp, job training, health screening, access to health services, employment opportunities, SBA loans and deferment program. For more information, please contact BPSOS Biloxi at 228-436-9999.

• Food Bank (Bayou La Batre, July 8): We are scheduled to have our next food drive on July 8, 2010. Residents in the area who are interested in receiving food may contact our Bayou La Batre office at 251-824-7004 for more information.

ACTIVITIES UPDATES

• Pro-bono Legal Assistance: Co-Hosted Legal Clinics in New Orleans, Biloxi, and Bayou La Batre: In joint efforts with various bar associations and community organizations, BPSOS sent attorneys to provide pro-bono legal education, consultations and assistance to more than 100 residents in Biloxi (MS), New Orleans (LA), and Bayou La Batre (AL) on basic legal know-how, BP claims, lawsuits, bankruptcy, immigration, etc. A total of 29 Vietnamese American attorneys, law students, and court interpreters participated in this large-scale pro-bono, bilingual legal clinics project.

• Partnership with Alabama National Guard and Emergency Management Agency to assist and expedite claims: BPSOS has partnered with Alabama National Guard and Emergency Management Agency, which is currently working out of BPSOS Bayou La Batre office, to assist Alabama residents to file claims for loss of income (including wages, any impacted private businesses-fishing, rental property, tourism businesses…etc) and property damage or loss, and/or expedite claims not being processed by BP. Vietnamese translators are available on site to assist.

• Direct Assistance: BPSOS Biloxi and BLB continue to assist more than 300 people on a weekly basis on various services ranging from food stamp applications, unemployment benefits, BP claims, Vessels of Opportunity applications, immigrations, general translation and interpretation, Medicaid, Social Security Incomes and healthcare. In partnership with the Bay Area Food Bank, BPSOS BLB has so far distributed 23,000 pounds of food to more than 400 families in Bayou La Batre, Grand Bay and Irvington areas.

• Advocacy: BPSOS worked with White House AAPI to arrange for a local Vietnamese fisherman to meet with Vice President Biden and Governor Bobby Jindal in New Orleans on Tuesday June 29, 2010 to discuss the economic and livelihood impacts of the oil spill on the Vietnamese community, especially the little known Vietnamese fishermen village in Plaquemines Parish. Our local staff participates in weekly teleconferences with various local, state and federal government agencies and officials to receive updates on programs, development and resources available for affected population.

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Founded in 1980, BPSOS is a national community organization operating at 18 locations across the United States. BPSOS empowers individuals, strengthens families, and builds communities through Direct Services, Advocacy, Media, Community Development and Organizing, and Research. For more information, please see www.bpsos.org.

Press Contact: Shandon Phan |  703-647-6462  |   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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