Here's How You Can Help People Impacted By Hurricane Ida
By Cherranda Smith
August 30, 2021
Hurricane Ida slammed the Gulf Coast Sunday (August 29), leaving at least one million people without power, hundreds stranded, and claiming the lives of several people.
While the region is no stranger to devastating storms, rescue and clean-up efforts for the impacted communities do not get easier. Hurricane Ida made landfall 16 years after Hurricane Katrina ravaged Louisiana and Mississippi and came a year after the powerful Hurricane Laura impacted the area.
Wind gusts reached upwards of 165 mph, tearing roofs off buildings and homes. Floodwaters reportedly reached 10 to 12 feet, leaving people stranded and creating dangerous conditions for rescue efforts.
The remnants of Hurricane Ida traveled north, slamming the northeast with record-breaking rainfall. Public transportation has be shut down in across NYC, and rescue efforts are underway in impacted areas of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. At least 11 people were killed as flash flooding swept the states.
Reports indicate local organizations and aid workers are already on the ground assisting in rescue efforts in the Gulf. On Thursday (September 2), President Joe Biden shared that FEMA resources were already "on the ground" in the Northeast as recovery efforts begin across the region and nation.
Here are a few organizations you can support to help hurricane victims, too.
Another Gulf Is Possible Collaborative
This racial justice-centered organization collects donations for people unable to organize online fundraisers for themselves. "We will distribute donations directly 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," the group pledges. You can donate here.
Another Gulf Is Possible's #JustIdaRecovery Frontline Resource page is up @ https://t.co/Q8lZEzaAal with mutual aid, orgs to donate to, resources and other kinds of #HurricaneIda prep/recovery information. Please share and keep your prayers up! pic.twitter.com/Vmyw1TeLuS
— Another Gulf Is Possible (@AnotherGulf_) August 28, 2021
Americares
This global org focuses on providing medical supplies to people following natural disasters. Donations to the group can be made here.
Americares today Sunday August 29:
— Americares (@Americares) August 29, 2021
• #WeHateHurricanes and other emergencies that put our neighbors’ health at risk.
• That’s why we #GetReadyNow and stay Ready to help.
• Team deployed ahead of #HurricaneIda: https://t.co/xIqdqiIZKi.
5 sec map from Windy of storm Ida moving. pic.twitter.com/wAVbrt2oNX
United Way
The United Way of Southeast Louisiana is currently accepting donations for short-term and long-term hurricane relief efforts. Donations can be made here.
For the latest #HurricaneIda information and resources:
— United Way SELA (@UnitedWaySELA) August 30, 2021
☎ dial 211 or
📱 Text LASHELTER to 898-211
Donate to local relief💙: https://t.co/O4RrpN0J8h#UnitedForSELA pic.twitter.com/mXKPb4DjVA
Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies
This group works to bring aid to people with disabilities, older adults, and people who may have had issues accessing aid before the storm hit. Donations can be made here.
As #HurricaneIda makes landfall, save our
— The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies (@disasterstrat) August 29, 2021
Disability & Disaster Hotline
Call/text/email us: 800-626-4959 or info@disasterstrategies.org
We are here to connect #disabled people to resources on the ground#DisabLedDisasterRelief pic.twitter.com/Z7Px4l6hAK
All Hands and Hearts
This volunteer-led organization works alongside local residents to rebuild communities following a natural disaster. Donations can be made here.
HURRICANE IDA UPDATE: We are monitoring this category 4 storm that will hit Louisiana late Sunday evening. Communities are expecting life-threatening storm surge, flooding and winds. Our #DART team is ready to respond.
— All Hands and Hearts (@AllHandsHearts) August 28, 2021
Donate to #HurricaneIda relief: https://t.co/KuKynVj2wj
Mayor's Fund to Advance NYC
The fund is accepting donations to support several causes, including COVID-19 relief. The organization previously accepted donations in the wake of other hurricanes, including Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Maria. Click here to learn more.
Additional Ways to Help
Check out these other organizations working to bring relief to Hurricane Ida Victims.
Praying for all those affected by Hurricane Ida and the families that have evacuated to my hometown Houston. @M25M_org will be in Louisiana to assist those in need. And we are working again with @breadoflifehtx in Houston to help evacuated families.#BeyGOOD pic.twitter.com/D4TRTPQfK2
— BeyGOOD (@BeyGood) August 30, 2021
Quick Hurricane #Ida update from the WCK team in New Orleans. 📸 Power across the city is still out this morning, but our Relief Food Truck is getting ready to begin cooking while the sandwich line prepares lunch! #ChefsForLouisiana pic.twitter.com/AtvP309Zzk
— World Central Kitchen (@WCKitchen) August 30, 2021
Here is our Hurricane Ida volunteer sign up form (for both remote and on the ground support). Sending gratitude and love to everybody who is in this movement alongside us. https://t.co/sW1myya2Ql
— Mutual Aid Disaster Relief (@MutualAidRelief) August 29, 2021
❗️❗️❗️ Hurricane Relief ❗️❗️❗️
— Dean Willis (@drgabewillis) September 2, 2021
Today at 12:30!! Please share! pic.twitter.com/nsOc0PPaVa
Michelle and I are thinking of everyone affected by Hurricane Ida, and we're grateful to the first responders doing heroic work. Here are some ways to support those in need: https://t.co/YZU1xlRN1i
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 31, 2021
This list will be updated as more information about the needs of families and individuals is announced.
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