Miss Celie's Spa Orleans, a historic spa located in New Orleans' French Quarter, had offered beauty treatments since 1880—so over the years it had seen its share of history.

But Hurricane Katrina posed an unprecedented adversary. In September, just two months after celebrating its 125th anniversary and days after Katrina ravaged New Orleans, this message was posted to Miss Celie's Web site: "Because of the destruction from hurricane Katrina, we have to close our businesses until further notice. We did evacuate to our hometown in Indiana with all of our kids, and we are safe. We don't have a clue if our home is even still there."

Miss Celie's owners are among many spa owners and employees left jobless—and some, homeless—by the storm. In response, the U.S. spa industry has stepped forward with assistance in the form of online job banks and support.

• The International Spa Association is helping displaced spa professionals find new employment through a partnership with the Travel Industry Association of America. With the Travel & Tourism Coalition and the Travel Business Roundtable, the Travel Industry Association of America is offering free use of a job bank to help workers displaced by the hurricane find new employment.

The job bank at www.katrinajobs.com was launched Sept. 15. The site includes a section for postings by both those seeking employment and companies with positions available. While the impetus is to help those in the travel industry, the job listings include information from all types of businesses, whether they are travel-related or not.

• ISPA’s Web site, www.experienceispa.com, has been updated to serve as a news center for information on spa-industry relief efforts. The site includes information on special events, fund raisers and programs where all or a portion of proceeds will benefit hurricane survivors.

• www.spas-helping-spas.com is an online bulletin board for spa professionals to request assistance, and where spa jobs are posted.

• The Day Spa Association's Web site features the Katrina & Rita Disaster Relief Forum. Posting criteria, according to a Day Spa Association press release, is: Any member of the spa community who needs assistance; members of the spa community who are willing to offer shelter and/or employment to displaced personnel; spas that will open their doors to donate space and services to displaced people as well as relief workers in the area evacuees are being housed; spas and product companies who are willing to give free body-care products and cosmetics to evacuees; and suppliers to the spa industry who are willing to offer spas assistance to rebuild their business.