The Kansas Expocentre will be the central registration point for housing, food, transportation and other basic needs.

But those evacuees can't stay there forever, so the community is figuring out ways to accommodate them for the long term.

There's no question Topeka is ready to help.

"The question is are we going to be able to do it for the long haul, because some of these people are going to need long haul help," Barry Feaker, Topeka Rescue Mission, said.

So capitol city leaders joined forces today with the goal of bringing evacuees lives' as close to normal as possible.

"We needed to be ready on the Topeka front to do what we could whenever we were asked to do it so we've seen a lot of people pulling together," Feaker said.

Mayor Bill Bunten praised the efforts but says Topekans should leave housing problems up to the volunteers as evacuees will likely be here anywhere from six months to one year.

"They'll have to be accountable for their conduct just as everyone who is a citizen in this city is," Bunten said.

Sherri Grace's family has settled in with relatives after leaving New Orleans over a week ago.

Her kids re-started school today.

"All fees have been waived and some school supplies were purchased which was very helpful," Grace said.

All organizations are doing their part and are confident they'll be able to handle 1500 evacuees and maybe more.

"Regardless of what the number is that they send here, and I don't know what that'll be, why we'll make every effort to make sure they're welcomed here and well provided for," Bunten said.

To make a donation or to help any of the families coming to Topeka you can call the United Way's volunteer hotline at 273-4804.