Hurricane Laura Relief Fund

At the end of August, Hurricane Laura made landfall as a Category Four hurricane in Louisiana’s Lake Charles region. It quickly became apparent that Louisiana's historically marginalized communities, namely Black, Indigenous and communities of color, were to bear the brunt of Laura’s devastation. In response to the widespread damage brought on by initial winds of 150 mph and torrential rain, individuals were drawn together to provide assistance across the state in the form of localized and mutual aid. This same region has also most recently been affected by Hurricane Delta.

GlobalGiving’s nonprofit partners remain on the forefront of response in affected communities. Here is a look at some of what your generosity has helped them achieve: 

• Imagine Water Works has built its Mutual Aid and Emergency Cash Programs to provide much-needed financial assistance for evacuees from Hurricane Laura residing in New Orleans shelters. This one-time cash assistance of $40 can be used to cover a variety of needs, from gas to return to the Lake Charles area to food, medicine, and clothing.
• SWLA Center for Health Services has operated out of the same building for over 41 years in the community of Lake Charles. Following Hurricane Laura, and the subsequent Hurricane Delta, the organization’s building was irreparably damaged. Despite this massive barrier, SWLA Center for Health Services continues to supply care and distribute toiletries, food, and cleaning supplies to residents without electricity or potable water. 
• SBPcontinues to lead rebuilding efforts on the ground in Louisiana. In addition to food delivered to distribution centers through its partnership with local restaurants, its team removed trees taken down by Hurricane Laura and repaired roofs affected by the storm’s winds. In all, SBP has assisted thousands of families facing challenges brought on by the hurricane by leading webinars on how to navigate disaster assistance, avoid contractor fraud and more. 

In a region continuously struck by disaster, your support has helped to raise more than $70,000 for community-led disaster response after Hurricane Laura. We’re so grateful to you for standing alongside our trusted nonprofit partners.

With gratitude,

Mikaela + the GlobalGiving Team

On August 27, Hurricane Laura made its devastating landfall in southwestern Louisiana as a powerful Category Four storm after passing through the Caribbean, tragically leaving more than 70 people dead. In the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, the hurricane further exacerbated the extreme uncertainty and marginalization facing communities, especially communities of color facing disproportionate impacts from the virus, in the Lake Charles area of Louisiana.

Almost a month later, impacted communities are still in great need. Many thousands of families remain without power and clean water in southwestern Louisiana. The storm has also displaced thousands of Louisiana residents. The vast majority of these evacuees are currently residing in New Orleans in temporary accommodations, and are facing severe obstacles in receiving the holistic support that they need.

Within one week of the storm making landfall, GlobalGiving swiftly issued emergency grant support to two of our trusted nonprofit partners on the frontlines. This quick action is a direct result of your generosity and support of our Hurricane Laura Relief Fund. Here is a snapshot of how your donation has helped communities in Louisiana impacted by Hurricane Laura:

• The Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana has been a leading organization in southern Louisiana for decades, and its response to Hurricane Laura was no different. It is making daily deliveries of food, water, and supplies to the hardest-hit communities, including Lake Charles and the surrounding rural parishes. To date, it has provided more than half a million pounds of food and emergency supplies to communities in need.
• Our partners at Fuel Relief Fund immediately deployed to Lake Charles and began providing free fuel to first responders, including local fire departments, and impacted families dependent  on fuel for necessities like light and refrigeration. You can see a short video showing the organization’s incredible work here.

All of this critical  work has been made possible by your donation. In the next two weeks, we will make additional emergency grants to support those affected by Hurricane Laura, including evacuees in New Orleans. Additionally, through GlobalGiving’s crisis response partnership with Facebook, we will support other communities impacted by Hurricane Laura with our local nonprofit partners in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. 

Thank you for coming together with more than 500 people to fuel these critical relief efforts. We will be back in your inbox by the end of October to keep you updated on how your donation is making a difference.

With gratitude, 

Chase + the GlobalGiving Team