Louisiana Is Still Reeling From Hurricane Ida. Here’s How We Can Help.
My heart just breaks for the people of Louisiana.
Let me preface this by saying that I am well aware that there was more destruction and devastation across the northeast United States because of Hurricane Ida, but Louisiana is where she made landfall.
South Louisiana is no stranger to hurricane devastation. Exactly 16 years ago (to the day), Hurricane Katrina made landfall in the SAME area.
These SAME people are having to rebuild — without power, in the 97 degree heat.
Fresh water is scarce. Food supplies are low. Gas is almost non-existent.
While there are so many people — disguised as good Samaritans, police officers, neighbors, friends, and volunteers — out there helping each other, there are still those reports of senseless violence.
It has to be hell for the adults who have to deal with all the grown-up things, but can you imagine being a kid in this mess?
You are hot, you are thirsty and hungry, you just went through a terrifying storm. You might have lost your home, everything you own, your sense of security.
It’s hot. It’s humid. There is no air conditioning. You’re tired. You are completely confused and scared.
I. Can’t. Even. Imagine.
You mean, there’s still people without power?
Yes. We don’t see news reports on the hurricane destruction anymore — the world has moved on.
But, you know who HASN’T moved on? The people who have to live it day after day.
There is still no power in so many places. Stations are running out of gasoline. Businesses have been destroyed. There are STILL many people who have lost their homes. There is still flood damage.
Just because we don’t see it on the news anymore doesn’t mean it’s not happening.
Realistically, what can you do to help?
My heart wants to jump in my car, fill it with bottles of water, and head straight to ground zero.
But, my brain tells me what a horrible idea that is.
While they need volunteers all over southern Louisiana, they don’t need more people there taxing their already extremely low resources.
If you already LIVE in southern Louisiana, you have plenty of gasoline, you have a place to stay, you have your own food to eat, and your own source of water, you can definitely sign up to volunteer with a legit organization.
If you don’t live in the area, don’t just head there.
You can donate. Many reputable organizations have lists on their website of things they need (diapers, gloves, trash bags, ect.).
Of course, you can always give a monetary donation to REPUTABLE organizations who use all monies for the good of the people in Louisiana.
Listen closely, and hear me — DO NOT GIVE MONEY to random Go-Fund Me accounts or other sources that you don’t know. There are plenty of evil people out there who will try to scam money off you.
Here are some reputable companies you can safely donate to: Salvation Army of NWLA, The Louisiana Bar Foundation, United Way Of Northwest Louisiana, Second Harvest Food Bank, Habitat For Humanity.
Even if we all band together and give $5, just think of the help, the food, the supplies, and the security we could give to the people of Louisiana.