Hurricane Ida’s Devastation in Mississippi: How you can help!
-Under an updated FEMA policy, disaster survivors seeking help to rebuild after Hurricane Ida will have new ways to verify homeownership, even if they lack certain legal documents for inherited property. Steve Helber / AP
After Hurricane Ida tore through Louisiana and Mississippi over the weekend into Monday, a lot of New Orleans' electricity remained out as of Tuesday morning. Rescue teams helped hundreds of people who were affected by the storm surge and the flooding that followed. However, thousands of people remained in shelters, and in addition to widespread power outages, and a decrease in water supply. You can donate to and volunteer at the organizations listed below.
Monetary Donation Links
The United Way of South Mississippi
The United Way of South Mississippi is also looking for volunteers and donations.
A non-profit dedicated to climate justice, water management and disaster readiness and response, Imagine Water Works leads a Mutual Aid Response Network that activates during natural and manmade disasters. All donations to the fund will support relief and recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Ida, as well as preparation for future storms as the hurricane season continues.
They also have a 2021 hurricane season prep guide and a map of community power stations where people can go to charge their devices.
The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies
The non-profit runs a hotline that responds to disabled people who have been impacted by natural disasters and connects them to resources on the ground. The hotline has been running throughout Hurricane Ida.
The disaster relief and global health non-profit has created a Hurricane Ida Disaster Relief Fund to help deliver critical supplies and restore health services in affected areas.
The global health and humanitarian relief organization is sending teams to distribute hygiene supplies to families in need, including N95 masks, amid Louisiana’s surge in COVID-19 cases. They’re collecting monetary donations to fund the effort.
The non-profit founded by chef José Andrés provides meals for communities in the wake of natural disasters, and is on the ground in New Orleans helping feed people in need.
House of the Young’s Hurricane Ida Fund
A fund run by New Orleans-based production company House of the Young Entertainment is focusing on supporting children impacted by the storm. (EDITORIAL NOTE: House of the Young Entertainment works with TIME Studios.)
In partnership with The Weather Channel, GoFundMe has gathered a collection of verified funds that will go directly to helping people recover from the destruction of the storm.
Save the Children has launched a Hurricane Ida Children’s Relief Fund that will go towards providing essential items to families impacted by the storms.
To help pets impacted by the storm, you can donate to the Humane Society Disaster Relief fund, which helps animals affected by natural disasters.
The Christian charitable organization is on the ground and offering services to survivors and first responders.
Supplies Donation Links
Another Gulf is Possible Collaborative
The racial justice-focused collaborative of cultural centers along the gulf region—spanning from Texas to Florida—is collecting and distributing supplies to indigenous, Black and brown people impacted by the storm. They also accept monetary donations.
Disaster Relief Volunteer Links
The national network of disaster relief organizations is looking for volunteers to help with relief efforts. You can sign up here. (They’re also accepting virtual volunteers.)
The veteran-led disaster response organization is on the ground in Louisiana and Mississippi, and takes volunteers and donations.
How to help victims of Hurricane Ida:
American Red Cross: The Red Cross said they have over 600 volunteers in Louisiana and Mississippi and have opened dozens of evacuation shelters across the states with other organizations. People can find shelter and supplies by calling 211, 800-733-2767 or by downloading the Red Cross Emergency Apps.
People also can donate to the organization here.
GoFundMe: The popular donation website has set up a page dedicated to Hurricane Ida relief. If you don't trust any donations set up by strangers, GoFundMe has their own donation link you can donate to.
Mutual Aid Disaster Relief: The organization is looking for people who are want to volunteer to help those in need, as well as providing supplies and help. People who are interested in volunteering can fill out the form here and those in need of medical help, food or other assistance can fill out the form here.
Save the Children: Primarily focused on assisting children and families, Save the Children is helping families find care for themselves and children, as well as assist learning centers and child care facilities impacted by the hurricane. You can donate to their organization here.
The Salvation Army: The Salvation Army said they have an emergency response crew in Texas ready to assist victims in Mississippi. They have 35 mobile kitchens and two field kitchens that can produce up to 20,000 meals a day. The organization also has a command unit, refrigerated truck, laundry unit, shower unit and a bunkhouse.
Numerous other local and national organizations are assisting in rescue and recovery efforts. To check if they are legitimate organizations, you can look them up on Charity Navigator to make sure donations and other efforts are going to those in need.
Article Courtesy: MADELEINE CARLISLE – TIME Magazine │ Jordan Mendoza │ USA TODAY Photo Courtesy : Steve Helber / AP ; NBC News ®