How to help Hurricane Ida victims
Floridians know well the scary hours leading up to a hurricane and the many weeks and months of rebuilding, rescue and recovery needed after a major event like Hurricane Ida strikes. So if you are looking for ways to help other Gulf of Mexico residents sorting through the disaster, here are some ways offer aid.
Keep in mind that in moments of desperation such as this, monetary donations are more needed than physical donations of food or clothing. Aid organizations on the ground in Louisiana and Mississippi can get exactly what they need at that moment.
Before you send a donation, check Charity Navigator or Guidestar for guidance on the reputability of nonprofits taking donations for Hurricane Ida’s victims.
Americares has set up a fund to support its deliveries of medicine, personal protective equipment and medical supplies to disaster areas. Americares has partnered with the company MathWorks to match donations to Hurricane Ida victims up to $500,000.
The Salvation Army is assisting with Hurricane Ida relief by operating a command unit, refrigerated truck, a laundry unit, shower unit, bunkhouse, and two field kitchens. It has set up a special fund for that effort.
The American Red Cross has mobilized hundreds of disaster workers and relief supplies to support thousands of people in evacuation shelters. Across Louisiana and Mississippi, the organization and others have opened dozens of shelters, and they have moved “truckloads” of supplies including cots, comfort kits and meals. People can donate online or by texting “IDA” to 90999. People can also schedule a blood donation appointment online.
Project Hope’s Emergency Response Team and first wave of 11 medical volunteers are providing surge support, in addition to distributing 8,000 hygiene kits, which include items like shampoo, soap, a toothbrush, deodorant, washcloth and a first-aid kit, as well as N95 masks to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. A special fund has been set up at projecthope.org/ida.
Rebuilding Together New Orleans has set up an Ida-specific fund at rebuildingtogether.org/hurricaneida to help with the clean-up and long-term recovery efforts. You can also donate materials through Rebuilding Together New Orleans’ Amazon wish list. If you know anyone who has been impacted, share the crisis clean-up hotline number with them: 844-965-1386.
GoFundMe: The Weather Channel and GoFundMe have teamed up to help people in the path of a natural disaster be prepared and recover quicker than ever before. Click here to donate.
World Central Kitchen, the organization led by chef José Andrés, provides food relief in areas hit by disaster. He tweeted that a team in New Orleans would activate its three kitchen facilities in the city. He said they have supplies already on hand for more than 100,000 meals. Click here to donate.
United Way of Southwest Louisiana is looking for both volunteers and donations as is United Way of South Mississippi. Volunteer here or donate here.
Cajun Navy Relief: Founded after Hurricane Katrina, this 501(c)3 helps rescue people and provides supplies needed to get through the disaster. You can send monetary donations here: paypal.com/paypalme/cajunnavyreliefinc. And you can donate supplies here cajunnavy-forms.nogginoca.com/donate.html.
Another Gulf Is Possible has two recovery vehicles ready to provide mutual aid for essential needs, repairs and supplies. You can donate online here.
The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies, which focuses on helping people with disabilities, has set up a hotline for those who need assistance because of Hurricane Ida at 1-800-626-4959. Donations can be made on its website here.
For pets, you can donate to the Humane Society Disaster Relief online. You can also donate online to the Louisiana SPCA and the Mississippi ASPCA here.
