On August 29, 2021, Hurricane Ida made landfall on Louisiana as a Category 4 hurricane. It has been one month since the storm, and things are still not back to pre-Ida conditions. One week ago, Tulane University students returned to campus in New Orleans for full-time, in-person classes. This infusion of 8,000+ people is bringing back businesses that desperately need money. Here, I have compiled some resources that provide direct support for Hurricane Ida relief. 

  1. Cajun Navy Relief 

This organization provided direct support for rescues in the early days of the hurricane. Now, they are looking for donations that they can distribute among people that need it the most. Learn more about their mission at: http://www.cajunnavyrelief.com/. 

  1. Second Harvest Food Bank

Many face food insecurity as a result of the weeks without power and income. This organization takes their donations and can provide hundreds of meals to those who have suffered due to Hurricane Ida. Please consider making a donation at: Hurricane Ida Response – Second Harvest Community Food Bank.

  1. Imagine Water Works

Made up of local Louisianans who are eager to help, Imagine Water Works mobilizes in times of natural disaster to provide much needed relief to residents. This mutual aid organization allocates its donations into a number of categories and provides resources to everyone who asks for help. To read more about Imagine Water Works and to donate please go to this link: https://www.imaginewaterworks.org/hurricane-ida-relief-update/.

  1. First Unitarian Universalist Church 

This church is serving as a community center where those who have had trouble finding food and shelter can come. It also serves as a central location drop off area for suppliers of these essential items. If you want to learn more about this mutual aid organization, NOLA.com did an amazing piece about the event coordinator of the church: https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/article_e29654c2-1bde-11ec-a94e-1f9e6919f3a8.html.

  1. Nola Black Youth Fund

This organization redistributes donations to Black New Orleanians ages 14-20. There is a link on their Instagram pagewhere you can request money if you are experiencing financial hardship. This is very common after Hurricane Ida, and this is a great organization and cause to support as it redirects donations directly to people in need. 

  1. Trans Queer Youth – New Orleans 

This Instagram page highlights specific trans queer youth in New Orleans that need aid after Hurricane Ida. It posts people with their information about where you can send money, such as CashApp or Venmo. In addition, they post a lot about free resources, such as community fridges, for people who need help. Check out their Instagram page to help local New Orleanians post-hurricane!

Even though it has been a month since Hurricane Ida, it is clear that much needs to be done to restore New Orleans and the rest of Southeast Louisiana. As Tulane students, it can be easy to slip back into the Tulane bubble, but it is important to remember that we are guests in the city of New Orleans and we should do what we can to help these organizations when natural disasters arise. 

Cover Photo: Global Giving

About Hannah Gruber

Hannah Gruber is a freshman originally from Bernardsville, NJ but has been loving New Orleans and wanted to write about it! She can’t wait to get more involved at Tulane and get to know the city more!

Hannah Gruber
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Hannah Gruber is a freshman originally from Bernardsville, NJ but has been loving New Orleans and wanted to write about it! She can’t wait to get more involved at Tulane and get to know the city more!