(Originally published 9/11/20, last updated 9/15/20)
It's been two weeks since Hurricane Laura made its way across Louisiana, destroying Lake Charles and surrounding towns and parishes in the process.
This was the biggest storm that has hit Louisiana since I've become an adult and moved out on my own. It certainly brought a high level anxiety as none of us knew what to expect or how bad it would be for us here in Lafayette. As the storm came through in the middle of the night, we stayed up listening to the wind, but thankfully, Ariana slept through the whole thing.
I'm extremely grateful that Lafayette and my home were spared of major damage and we personally didn't lose power, but it's hard to see the majority of Southwest Louisiana so battered. In addition, many areas in Central Louisiana faced damage from the strong winds. I've heard from friends and colleagues that photos don't even do the damage in Lake Charles justice. Nearly every building in the city is damaged to some degree. Many compare the sight to what it looks like after a tornado passes through - except across a much larger area.
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| Photo via Second Harvest |
So many people have stepped in to assist, from working around the clock to restore power and water, to cooking and distributing food, to distributing ice and water, to donating and distributing needed supplies and clothing.
The rebuilding process is well underway, and there are ways you can help even if you aren't nearby or in a position to provide manual labor.
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| Via Times Picayune |
United Way of Acadiana
Donate supplies via United Way of Acadiana's Amazon wishlist.
United Way has also partnered with local startup Hampr to provide laundry services to displaced residents. Support that effort by donating here.
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| Photo via United Way of Acadiana |
United Way of SWLA
Donate supplies via United Way of SWLA's Amazon wishlist.
The organization is keeping an updated list of supplies and materials needed for residents who are cleaning up and rebuilding. You can donate to their efforts at the bottom of the page.
Red Cross
Donate or volunteer through the Red Cross.
The Current
My friend April put together a comprehensive list of places where you can donate supplies in Lafayette for The Current. Check out her list if you want to donate goods rather than money.
Second Harvest food bank
The Second Harvest food bank has been collecting food donations in Lafayette and Elmwood and transporting them to Lake Charles. Visit their Facebook page for current information.
Operation BBQ Relief
Operation BBQ Relief is one of the nonprofit organizations currently deployed in Lake Charles providing meals to residents and first responders free of charge. Donate to support their efforts here.
Team Rubicon
Team Rubicon is a group of veteran volunteers who help communities recover and rebuild, often by providing manual labor. Donate to support their efforts here.
Louisiana Care Fund
This fund is administered by the Louisiana Hospital Association Research and Education Foundation and supports hospital workers in rebuilding. Donate here.
Acadian Companies Employee Disaster Relief Fund
Similar to the Care Fund, this fund is set up by Acadian Ambulance to support EMS personnel and Acadian employees who were impacted by the hurricane. Many first responders were on shift when the storm passed through and were away from their homes and families and continue to work as they rebuild. Donate here.
Resources for Lake Charles residents and volunteers
Lake Charles Memorial Hospital is keeping an updated list of resources on their social media, including where to pick up food, ice and water.
Cajun Navy
The Cajun Navy has been hard at work helping residents recover and rebuild. In a post on their Facebook page from September 9, they list specific donation items needed for residents whose homes are facing mold damage.
Follow the group's Facebook page for other ways to donate or volunteer.
The705
Lafayette-based organization The705 is collecting used laptops that will be cleaned up (with all personal information removed) and converted for use by displaced Calcasieu and Cameron Parish students who may not have a laptop for remote learning.
Donate your old laptops to EDC by September 30, 2020.
As I find more resources throughout the recovery from Hurricane Laura, I'll update this list. There's a long road ahead for Louisiana, but we have proven over the years that we can and will rebuild.
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