Even though Gustav has weakened, many evacuees in Meridian shelter say they are staying put.

"We're tired of running," said Robert Davis of Pearl River, La. "We just hope to God we have something to go back to when we do go home. We lost everything during Katrina and all we do it just hope and pray."

The last count of persons using the Frank Cochran Center as a shelter was 355; there were 150 at Central United Methodist Church.

"It's been difficult not knowing for sure about Gustav and what it may bring upon south Louisiana and south Mississippi," said Carolyn Cole of New Orleans.

But many at the Red Cross shelter at Central United Methodist Church say it feels like home away from home, even during the storm.

"They were great. We were just so lucky. Everybody was sleeping; they called timeout to find a place for us," said Rogelio Brathwaige of New Orleans.

The Hilton Garden Inn of Meridian, like most hotels in the area, still has no availability. But most evacuees say they are grateful Meridian has opened its doors until the coast is clear.

"Thank you, thank you Mississippi for allowing me and my family and everyone from New Orleans a place to stay," said one evacuee. "We got our lives and that's all that matters."

And even though the Meridian shelters are crowded, there's still room at the Neshoba County Coliseum in Philadelphia. Red Cross officials report the last count there at 600 and the shelter can house up to 1,000 people.