Victims from Hurricane Katrina will begin staying in the Tucson Convention Center as early as today, officials said.

Gov. Janet Napolitano announced Friday evening that Arizona would temporarily house victims from the storm, according to a press release from the governor's office.

"We have already deployed state, local and volunteer agency resources to assist with the response operations," Napolitano said. "Right now, the greatest need for these individuals, now that they have nothing left, is to have access to safe shelter where they can begin to heal emotionally and physically from the incredible trauma they have just suffered."

As of yesterday afternoon, 500 people are already housed at Veteran's Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix. The coliseum is set to hold about 1,100 people. TCC can accommodate more than 800 people, according to a press release.

The southern chapter of the Red Cross is coordinating the relief effort in Tucson. Donations can be dropped off directly at TCC. Bottled water, new and unused clothing, shoes, children's activity items and hygiene products are most needed.

The local Red Cross can be reached at 520-318-6740.

Monetary donations to the Red Cross can be made by calling 1-800-HELP-NOW.