Hurricane Ida slammed south Louisiana with near-Category 5 force winds on August 29. Areas across south Louisiana were devastated. Here are a few ways we can reach out to our neighbors to lend a helping hand, as they work to rebuild.
Volunteer
World Central Kitchen
Chef Jose Andres formed World Central Kitchen in 2010 when he saw a need to feed communities around the world hit hard by natural and man-made disasters. Since then, the organization has been boots on the ground, responding to emergencies in every part of the world and locally, including New Orleans, Lafitte, Barataria, and beyond. The group works with local chefs, volunteers and organizations like the Cajun Navy to get nutritious meals to those needing relief. Follow @wckitchen on Instagram and WCK.org, for ways to volunteer or contribute.
Resources
Bayou Community Foundation
Aiding Lafourche, Terrebonne and Grand Isle. Bayoucf.org/disaster-recovery.
United Houma Nation
Run by United Houma Nation Tribal Communities. @United_houma_nation.
Second Harvest Food Bank
Feeding all of south Louisiana. No-hunger.org.
Americares
Aiding health centers and clinics across the area. Americares.org.
American Red Cross
Providing shelter and distributing water, comfort kits, ready-to-eat meals. @americanredcross, RedCross.org.
Rebuild
The United Way
The United Way of Southeast Louisiana has set up a relief fund to help communities get back into their homes and schools, as well as to get the essential care they need. In partnership with WWL-TV, individuals can donate $10 to $10,000, with all proceeds going to local efforts, community grants and partner organizations. The organization has also coordinated supply donation drop off locations, for items such as baby formula, toiletries and cleaning supplies, in New Orleans and on the north shore. Check their Instagram for the latest donation information. Follow @unitedwaysela on Instagram or visit UnitedWaySELA.org.
Restore
DTB Mutual Aid Fund
DTB Mutual Aid Fund is a self-proclaimed “neighbors helping neighbors” non-profit organization in south Lafourche. The group aims to distribute cash in hand to those in need in the wake of Hurricane Ida to meet their immediate needs, such as temporary housing, gas, food, baby and hygiene items. Follow @Dtb_mutualaidfund on Instagram for ways the group is helping and how you can donate.
“Bless Your Heart” tee and Bless Your Heart Nonprofit
Place an order for this fetching tee from Fleurty Girl (fleurtygirl.net) for a stylish way to help out. A portion of the proceeds benefit the “Bless Your Heart Nonprofit” organization, which works to address social, educational, and financial needs in the Bayou Region, and has been coordinating Hurricane Ida recovery efforts in the area. You can also check out Bless Your Heart via their Facebook page, and donate directly through PayPal at blessyourheartnonprofit@gmail.com and Venmo @blessyourheartnonprofit.
“Soul is Waterproof. Louisiana” tee and BayouFund.org
Dirty Coast is donating a portion of the proceeds from its classic “Soul is Waterproof. Louisiana” tee to Bayou Fund, which is working to hand out cash payments to people in bayou communities impacted by the storm. Get yours at DirtyCoast.com. You can also donate much needed financial help directly to Bayou Fund’s GoFundMe account, run by local restaurant and business Mosquito Supper Club, at BayouFund.org.
Cajun Navy Relief and Rescue
This 501(c)3 organization was formed in 2016 in response to catastrophic floods to hit Louisiana. The group accepts monetary donations, as well as donations of supplies such as bug spray, bleach, wet wipes and gloves, and offers ways for individuals to sign up and volunteer. Follow @CajunNavyRelief on Instagram, or visit CajunNavyRelief.com.
