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Helping those impacted by Hurricane Ida

Tropical Weather
Posted at 11:47 AM, Aug 31, 2021
and last updated 2021-08-31 16:08:26-04

Help is pouring in from across the country for those impacted by Hurricane Ida. Ida is one of the strongest storms to make landfall in the U.S. The storm left more than a million customers without power, including the entire city of New Orleans.

Entergy Louisiana said Sunday that some of its customers could be without power for weeks. The storm made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane early Sunday afternoon, on the 16th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.

As Ida moves toward Mississippi, people across the country have begun sending resources to help support those impacted by the storm.

With natural disasters like hurricanes, cash is often preferred over donating items like clothing, food, or bottled water. Experts explain those supplies may be helpful, but they can cause logistical issues for those working to help victims quickly.

When you’re making a donation to help victims in a natural disaster, it’s also important to give to trusted organizations. The Better Business Bureau offers a tool that can help you to research groups before you donate to them.

Below are some organizations that will be assisting hurricane victims:

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross is accepting donations as it provides shelter and necessities to people displaced by Ida. Donations to the Red Cross enable the organization to prepare for, respond to, and help people recover from the disaster.

United Way

The United Way of Southeast Louisiana is accepting donations to help victims of Ida. The organization says the funds help families get back in their homes, rebuild schools and businesses, and give vulnerable communities the care they need.

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army says its network of trained disaster staff and volunteers are on the ground across the Gulf Coast to help provide food, clothing, clean-up kits, and emotional support to those affected by the storm. When donating, you can select Hurricane Ida and the organization says 100% of your donation will be applied to helping those victims.

Americares

Americares says its emergency response team has deployed to the Gulf Coast to respond to the Ida aftermath. Donations to its disaster relief fund will support the organization’s response to storms like Ida, the group says.

Groups helping animals

Since humans aren’t the only ones affected by Hurricane Ida, there are multiple organizations you can donate to that help animals. The Louisiana SPCA, the Mississippi ASPCA, and the Humane Society of the United States are all accepting donations.