Hurricane Ida was a Category 4 storm that made landfall in Louisiana near Port Fourchon on Sunday. It caused havoc as it ripped through Louisiana and Mississippi.
New Orleans was completely without power, and the rising flood waters required dangerous rescues. The roofs of buildings were torn off, trees were felled, and roads were blocked by debris. One building was damaged or destroyed. One person was killed in the storm, and Governor John Bel Edwards of Louisiana warned Monday that more people would die as the day progresses.
Ida is now a tropical storm, and will move through Mississippi and farther north in the evening. The recovery process for affected areas is long. Entergy Louisiana, the local electricity company, says that some people could go without power for weeks.
There are many ways that you can help. We have compiled a list of places you can donate money or volunteer your services and will keep it updated as needed.
These are just a few of the organizations that can help people in need, provide medical assistance, and feed them during this disaster.
Cajun Navy
Cajun Navy Relief, a Louisiana nonprofit, is already helping people in Louisiana. It provides assistance to flood-prone people and supplies them with essential items. Although you can make a donation to the organization, there is no specific page for Ida. Find out more about the organization and submit a request to help a friend. Already, the group began to rescue flood-stricken people.
World Central Kitchen
Jos Andrs, Chef, has dedicated a lot of energy, time, and money to helping people affected by disasters through World Central Kitchen. Andrs is on the ground in New Orleans, ready to help those who might need it. This is crucial, as people might not have power for a long time. In this case, they may be without refrigeration or the ability to cook.
Donate to the organization by clicking here. It is not clear if the donation will go specifically to its Ida efforts.
GoFundMe
GoFundMe has created a hub of fundraising events to help those affected by Hurricane Ida. This hub is available here. You can choose to give to relief efforts in general, to groups that help the most vulnerable populations or to specific individuals. All fundraisers listed on GoFundMe's hub page have been certified and checked.
CrowdSource Rescue
CrowdSource rescue was created during Hurricane Harvey to match people in need with those who can help. This is similar to Cajun Navy. It's a group that helps neighbors and can quickly get on the ground. It is already mobilizing for Ida.
You can make a donation to the group, or check if you are able to help. It is impossible to make donations to the Ida effort.
Imagine Water Works
Imagine Water Works is a great place to donate money to local organizations. This mutual aid group collects funds to help New Orleans recover from past disasters. Donate to the Ida and other hurricane season efforts.
Save the Children
Save the Children is a non-profit humanitarian organization that collects resources to support children affected by Ida. Donate to Hurricane Ida Childrens Relief Fund by clicking here.
Public Good
This CNN tool may be an option if you want to donate to multiple groups. This tool splits your money between 13 Ida relief organizations: AirLink. All Hands and Hearts. AmeriCares. Direct Relief. Global Giving Foundation. International Medical Corps. World Vision. World Central Kitchen. Save the Children. Rebuilding Together. Project HOPE.
You can also choose to select one or more of these groups.
American Red Cross
Although the well-known group has come under fire, it is still a key part of disaster response around the world. It is also a common place to send money in the event of a disaster. Here are the details of how you can support Ida's efforts.
AmeriCares
This health-focused relief group provides medicine for disaster areas. The group currently offers a 2-fold match promotion to raise funds for Hurricane Ida relief. It doesn't seem to be possible to earmark donations for Ida efforts.
All Hands and Hearts
All Hands and Hearts is a group that focuses on helping local communities by asking them what they need and then providing it. This group also works to rebuild communities long-term. Here are the ways you can help Ida with relief efforts.
As more resources become available, this story will be updated.
