Tag Archives: Gulf Coast

How to help people impacted by Hurricane Laura

Two weeks after Hurricane Laura ripped through parts of Texas and Louisiana, a massive cleanup is underway. Here’s how you can help.

By Heather Newgen

Hurricane Laura made landfall in the Gulf Coast on August 27th as a Category 4 storm, bringing with it 150 mph winds and significant storm surge. 27 people have died as a result and according to Forbes, residents in the hardest hit areas are still without running water and power. The outlet reports, “as of Thursday afternoon, more than 280,000 people in southwest Louisiana didn’t have clean drinking water in their homes, with 14,475 lacking running water altogether.”

RELATED: How to help Iowa residents after the deadly derecho storm

In addition, Hurricane Laura destroyed much of the farmland in the south western part of Louisiana and now farmers are dealing with another major issue– swarms of mosquitoes are killing off thousands of cattle and horses, causing farmers to take a huge financial loss.  The thick clouds of mosquitoes are attacking the livestock by draining their blood with numerous bites. The animals  pace frantically in the heat trying to fight them off until they’re exhausted and pass out, USA Today reports.

Estimates vary, but most experts suggest the damage due to Hurricane Laura is in the billions.

As Covid-19 rages on, rebuilding communities will be a complicated and challenging feat. Organizations are working to give aid to the victims, but additional assistance is needed.

Here are ways to help the Hurricane Laura victims in Louisiana and Texas.

DONATE

The Louisiana Farm Bureau Foundation helps farmers affected by Hurricane Laura and is accepting donations, which will help keep agriculture alive in Louisiana.

Global Giving has set up a fund to provide food, water and shelter.

United Way of Southwest Louisiana is distributing funds to victims.

The Salvation Army disaster teams in Louisiana and Texas are “providing food, drinks, emotional & spiritual care and other emergency services in the wake of Hurricane Laura.”

Second Harvest Food Bank is providing meals to families in need.

VOLUNTEER

World Central Kitchen needs volunteers to prepare and deliver fresh meals to first responders and people affected by Hurricane Laura.

Red Cross is seeking volunteers to give blood and licensed health care professionals to work in emergency shelters.

The Houston Food Bank is accepting donations and volunteers.

Operation Blessing is on the ground in Lake Charles, an area devastated by Hurricane Laura. Volunteers are needed to help in debris cleanup and assist homeowners salvage their belongings.

Volunteering in New Orleans with Camp Restore

Looking for a responsible volunteering project in New Orleans? Camp Restore offers several programs for skilled and unskilled workers.

By Heather Newgen

In 2005 Hurricane Katrina swept through the Gulf Coast as a Category 3 storm, causing severe destruction along its path from New Orleans to Mississippi to Alabama, however, NOLA was hit the hardest after the levees failed due to poor engineering. As a result, over 1800 people died and the majority of the city flooded, causing an estimated $108 billion dollars worth of damage.

In the months following the catastrophe, support poured in worldwide and Camp Restore was an organization that was created in response to Hurricane Katrina. Years later is still working to rebuild the city with the help of volunteers.

“What began as hurricane relief has grown into efforts to address large-scale systemic challenges, such as restoring the wetlands that protect against hurricanes, supporting local schools and youth programs and helping new, innovative community nonprofits get off the ground. We achieve this through partnerships with more than 150 fellow nonprofits and churches,” their website states.

Camp Restore partners with over 80 local nonprofits, so there are plenty of volunteer projects that skilled and unskilled volunteers can do like working in a community garden, recycling Mardi Grad beads, rebuilding a home (if you have experience) and so many other projects.

Although Hurricane Katrina swept through the Gulf Coast in 15 years ago, pockets of New Orleans still needs assistance. Volunteers are always welcomed. There are several ways to give back and  Camp Restore is an organization that takes groups of volunteers or individuals who are traveling alone and want to make a small difference.

Affordable volunteer housing is offered and and available to those who prefer to stay on site at Camp Restore.

Check out the video to see what it’s like to volunteer in New Orleans and how you can give back.

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