Hurricane Ida disaster relief: How you can help people in Louisiana and Mississippi right now
C. A. BRIDGES | PENSACOLA NEWS JOURNAL
Aug 30, 2021
On Sunday, 16 years to the day that Hurricane Katrina struck the area, Ida roared across Louisiana and Mississippi as a furious Category 4 hurricane, pounding the region with heavy rains and storm surge.
More than a million homes and businesses were left without power the next morning, including the entire city of New Orleans. Roofs were torn off buildings by the 150-mph winds. Some neighborhoods were flooded, and authorities are only beginning to determine the damage done and what help will be needed.
But you can help right away. Here's what you need to know. Check back, this list will be updated.
There might be a time when items are needed, but in the early days it's money.
This disaster isn't going away soon, there will be plenty of help needed in the weeks and months and possibly years to come. While the situation is still dangerous, leave in-person help to the professionals.
Here are some local charities:
Another Gulf Is Possible Collaborative: This group, which focuses on racial injustice in the Gulf area, is working to get help to the people less likely to get online donations themselves. "We will distribute donations directly to indigenous, black, and brown frontline folks impacted by Hurricane Ida and groups who currently don’t have online donations capacity, as well as directly to individual families impacted by the storm.” You can donate at anothergulf.com/ida/.
Cajun Navy Relief: This nonprofit organizes local volunteers to rescue people in danger and get supplies to others who need it right now. You can make donations at cajunnavy-forms.nogginoca.com/donate.html, or request a rescue or supplies (but call 9-1-1 first).
Feed the Second Line: This group builds support for the culture creators of New Orleans, and all donations from September and October will go to help Ida victims. Donate at feedthesecondline.org/.
Imagine Water Works: This organization based in New Orleans works on water management, conservation and other environmental issues, but they also organize disaster relief for the area when needed. You can donate to Hurricane Ida relief at donorbox.org/ida .
NOLA Ready: The NOLA Ready Volunteer Corps rallies people to help out in local disasters to help meet residents' needs before, during and after emergencies. Currently they are organizing a post-storm evacuation operation after the weather calms down, if it turns out to be necessary. Head to ready.nola.gov/volunteer/ for more details.
All Hands and Hearts: This volunteer-based organization works alongside local residents to help by rebuilding schools, homes and other community infrastructure. It has an Ida fund started at Hurricane Ida Relief.
American Red Cross: Always one of the first groups in and probably the best-known aid organization in the world, the Red Cross offers food, shelter, supplies, and emotional support to victims of crisis. It already has more than 600 volunteers in Louisiana and Mississippi and has opened dozens of shelters for evacuees. You can contribute to the national group's Ida relief efforts at redcross.org/donate/donation.html, or to the Louisiana Red Cross or the Mississippi Red Cross. (That said, ProPublica investigations have shown that the Red Cross' aid has occasionally been hit or miss.)
Americares: Americares focuses on medical aid, helping communities recover from disasters with access to medicine and providing personal protective equipment and medical supplies. To help Hurricane Ida victims, Americares has partnered with MathWorks to match donations up to $500,000. Go to americares.org for more details.
Catholic Charities: Catholic Charities of Acadiana is collecting funds for the victims of Hurricane Ida — go to give.classy.org/disaster or text RELIEF to 797979 — and the organization has set up an Amazon wishlist if you'd like to help buy supplies they need right away.
Global Giving: This disaster relief charity provides immediate aid after emergencies to people, animals, and front-line workers and helps displaced families, but also addresses long-term assistance with a focus on local organizations. Donate to its Ida fund at globalgiving.org/projects/hurricane-ida-relief-fund/.
GoFundMe: GoFundMe fundraisers for people impacted by Hurricane Ida are already piling up in this popular crowdfunding site that connects you directly to people who need help. This can be a great way to help individuals in need and put a face on the person you're donating to, but it also can be an easy way to get scammed. Read the campaigns carefully. You can find a list of verified fundraisers at gofundme.com/c/act/hurricane-ida-fundraisers. GoFundMe also has a central Hurricane Relief Fund at gofundme.com/f/HurricaneRelief-Fund/donate.
Mutual Aid Disaster Relief: A grassroots disaster relief network dedicated to getting help directly to the underserved communities who are often left out. Donate at mutualaiddisasterrelief.org .
Operation Blessing: This group works with emergency management and local churches to bring clean water, food, medicine and more supplies to people with immediate needs in disaster areas. Donate at ob.org/#donate-nowhere.
Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies: This group focuses on helping people with disabilities, older adults, and people with access and functional needs before, during and after disasters. The group is currently responding to disabled people and their families who have been affected by Ida. If you or someone you know needs help, you can call its Disability & Disaster Hotline at 800-626-4959, or email info@disasterstrategies.org. You can donate at disasterstrategies.org/hurricane-ida-alert/.
The Salvation Army: Another group quick to get on the ground when disaster strikes, the Salvation Army provides food, drinks, shelter, emotional and spiritual care and other emergency services to survivors and rescue workers. You can donate to Ida efforts at give.helpsalvationarmy.org/give/166081here.
Save the Children: Save the Children set up supplies before Ida hit and is supplying essential items to help affected families care for their children such as diapers, wipes, hygiene kits, and more. They also partner with local education groups to help restore child care and early learning center in impacted areas. Donate to its Hurricane Ida Children's Relief Fund at savethechildren.org/us/charity-stories/hurricane-relief.
United Way: The United Way of Southeast Louisiana is accepting donations for relief efforts for both short-term and to continue helping residents later. You can donate at unitedway.org/local/united-states/louisiana/united-way-of-southeast-louisiana
World Central Kitchen: When there is a disaster, Chef José Andrés is there with his teams to set up kitchen facilities and start serving thousands of meals to victims and responders. You can help by donating at donate.wck.org/give/236738here
Humane Society Disaster Relief: This group evacuates animals from shelters before and after hurricanes and other natural disasters. You can donate at secured.humanesociety.org/page/81880.
Louisiana SPCA: The Louisiana SPCA evacuated a lot of its animals before the storm but they need help caring for the animals left behind. You can donate at louisianaspca.org/hurricane-ida/. Many of the animals went to the Houston SPCA, the Austin Humane Society and the Atlanta Humane Society and they could use your help, too.
Jacksonville Humane Society: The Jacksonville Humane Society is calling on all animal lovers on the First Coast to assist in the evacuation of pets from shelters in the path of Hurricane Ida. They're currently at maximum capacity and are looking for fosters and adopters. Head to jaxhumane.org to learn more about how you can adopt a pet.
C. A. BRIDGES | PENSACOLA NEWS JOURNAL
Aug 30, 2021
On Sunday, 16 years to the day that Hurricane Katrina struck the area, Ida roared across Louisiana and Mississippi as a furious Category 4 hurricane, pounding the region with heavy rains and storm surge.
More than a million homes and businesses were left without power the next morning, including the entire city of New Orleans. Roofs were torn off buildings by the 150-mph winds. Some neighborhoods were flooded, and authorities are only beginning to determine the damage done and what help will be needed.
But you can help right away. Here's what you need to know. Check back, this list will be updated.
How can I help Hurricane Ida victims right now?
The fastest way is, of course, to send money. While there is often an urge to send water, blankets, food and other items, charity organizations aren't ready to handle the logistical nightmare of organizing, storing and distributing physical goods. Donating money to trusted charities means the money goes to what's needed right now in the places it's needed most. Charities also often get bulk discounts and, if possible, will purchase items in the disaster area to help support local economic recovery.There might be a time when items are needed, but in the early days it's money.
Should I head to Louisiana or Mississippi and volunteer to help Hurricane Ida victims?
Right now, no. There are disaster response teams and trusted organizations doing that and random volunteers, while appreciated in theory, do not have the safety or medical training to help in disaster recovery and might take up resources needed for locals. There will be local health professionals, Red Cross volunteers and first responders heading to the area, check with them to see how you can help.This disaster isn't going away soon, there will be plenty of help needed in the weeks and months and possibly years to come. While the situation is still dangerous, leave in-person help to the professionals.
Which local organizations are helping Hurricane Ida victims?
Sometimes the best way to make sure your money is going to the people directly affected by a disaster is to give it to local nonprofits and other organizations who know what their community needs.Here are some local charities:
Another Gulf Is Possible Collaborative: This group, which focuses on racial injustice in the Gulf area, is working to get help to the people less likely to get online donations themselves. "We will distribute donations directly to indigenous, black, and brown frontline folks impacted by Hurricane Ida and groups who currently don’t have online donations capacity, as well as directly to individual families impacted by the storm.” You can donate at anothergulf.com/ida/.
Cajun Navy Relief: This nonprofit organizes local volunteers to rescue people in danger and get supplies to others who need it right now. You can make donations at cajunnavy-forms.nogginoca.com/donate.html, or request a rescue or supplies (but call 9-1-1 first).
Feed the Second Line: This group builds support for the culture creators of New Orleans, and all donations from September and October will go to help Ida victims. Donate at feedthesecondline.org/.
Imagine Water Works: This organization based in New Orleans works on water management, conservation and other environmental issues, but they also organize disaster relief for the area when needed. You can donate to Hurricane Ida relief at donorbox.org/ida .
NOLA Ready: The NOLA Ready Volunteer Corps rallies people to help out in local disasters to help meet residents' needs before, during and after emergencies. Currently they are organizing a post-storm evacuation operation after the weather calms down, if it turns out to be necessary. Head to ready.nola.gov/volunteer/ for more details.
What national organizations are helping Hurricane Ida victims?
Impact Your World: CNN and Public Good have partnered to make a one-stop location where your donation will be sent to multiple organizations such as the ones listed below. Find out more at Do Public GoodAll Hands and Hearts: This volunteer-based organization works alongside local residents to help by rebuilding schools, homes and other community infrastructure. It has an Ida fund started at Hurricane Ida Relief.
American Red Cross: Always one of the first groups in and probably the best-known aid organization in the world, the Red Cross offers food, shelter, supplies, and emotional support to victims of crisis. It already has more than 600 volunteers in Louisiana and Mississippi and has opened dozens of shelters for evacuees. You can contribute to the national group's Ida relief efforts at redcross.org/donate/donation.html, or to the Louisiana Red Cross or the Mississippi Red Cross. (That said, ProPublica investigations have shown that the Red Cross' aid has occasionally been hit or miss.)
Americares: Americares focuses on medical aid, helping communities recover from disasters with access to medicine and providing personal protective equipment and medical supplies. To help Hurricane Ida victims, Americares has partnered with MathWorks to match donations up to $500,000. Go to americares.org for more details.
Catholic Charities: Catholic Charities of Acadiana is collecting funds for the victims of Hurricane Ida — go to give.classy.org/disaster or text RELIEF to 797979 — and the organization has set up an Amazon wishlist if you'd like to help buy supplies they need right away.
Global Giving: This disaster relief charity provides immediate aid after emergencies to people, animals, and front-line workers and helps displaced families, but also addresses long-term assistance with a focus on local organizations. Donate to its Ida fund at globalgiving.org/projects/hurricane-ida-relief-fund/.
GoFundMe: GoFundMe fundraisers for people impacted by Hurricane Ida are already piling up in this popular crowdfunding site that connects you directly to people who need help. This can be a great way to help individuals in need and put a face on the person you're donating to, but it also can be an easy way to get scammed. Read the campaigns carefully. You can find a list of verified fundraisers at gofundme.com/c/act/hurricane-ida-fundraisers. GoFundMe also has a central Hurricane Relief Fund at gofundme.com/f/HurricaneRelief-Fund/donate.
Mutual Aid Disaster Relief: A grassroots disaster relief network dedicated to getting help directly to the underserved communities who are often left out. Donate at mutualaiddisasterrelief.org .
Operation Blessing: This group works with emergency management and local churches to bring clean water, food, medicine and more supplies to people with immediate needs in disaster areas. Donate at ob.org/#donate-nowhere.
Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies: This group focuses on helping people with disabilities, older adults, and people with access and functional needs before, during and after disasters. The group is currently responding to disabled people and their families who have been affected by Ida. If you or someone you know needs help, you can call its Disability & Disaster Hotline at 800-626-4959, or email info@disasterstrategies.org. You can donate at disasterstrategies.org/hurricane-ida-alert/.
The Salvation Army: Another group quick to get on the ground when disaster strikes, the Salvation Army provides food, drinks, shelter, emotional and spiritual care and other emergency services to survivors and rescue workers. You can donate to Ida efforts at give.helpsalvationarmy.org/give/166081here.
Save the Children: Save the Children set up supplies before Ida hit and is supplying essential items to help affected families care for their children such as diapers, wipes, hygiene kits, and more. They also partner with local education groups to help restore child care and early learning center in impacted areas. Donate to its Hurricane Ida Children's Relief Fund at savethechildren.org/us/charity-stories/hurricane-relief.
United Way: The United Way of Southeast Louisiana is accepting donations for relief efforts for both short-term and to continue helping residents later. You can donate at unitedway.org/local/united-states/louisiana/united-way-of-southeast-louisiana
World Central Kitchen: When there is a disaster, Chef José Andrés is there with his teams to set up kitchen facilities and start serving thousands of meals to victims and responders. You can help by donating at donate.wck.org/give/236738here
Can I help pets hurt or stranded by Hurricane Ida?
There are a number of local organizations dedicated to helping animals in the affected regions.Humane Society Disaster Relief: This group evacuates animals from shelters before and after hurricanes and other natural disasters. You can donate at secured.humanesociety.org/page/81880.
Louisiana SPCA: The Louisiana SPCA evacuated a lot of its animals before the storm but they need help caring for the animals left behind. You can donate at louisianaspca.org/hurricane-ida/. Many of the animals went to the Houston SPCA, the Austin Humane Society and the Atlanta Humane Society and they could use your help, too.
Jacksonville Humane Society: The Jacksonville Humane Society is calling on all animal lovers on the First Coast to assist in the evacuation of pets from shelters in the path of Hurricane Ida. They're currently at maximum capacity and are looking for fosters and adopters. Head to jaxhumane.org to learn more about how you can adopt a pet.
Hurricane Ida disaster relief: How to help people in NYC, New Jersey, and the Mississippi Delta
Hurricane Ida struck Louisiana as a dangerous Category 4 hurricane and then it roared into NYC leaving millions in need. Here's how you can help.
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