NEW ORLEANS — United Way of Southeast Louisiana and WWL-TV Channel 4 are encouraging public donations to the Tornado Relief Fund to ensure families don’t go without this holiday season. 100% of funds will support immediate relief efforts and long-term rebuilding for Southeast Louisiana communities affected by the December storm.
Visit UnitedWaySELA.org/TornadoRelief to contribute.
“Many of the affected households are still in the process of recovering from Hurricane Ida and even the March tornado, leaving them without the resources necessary to confront yet another rebuild,” said Michael Williamson, UWSELA President and CEO. “The holiday season is upon us, and United Way believes every family deserves cheer and love this time of year. Let’s show our neighbors just how much we care when they need it most.”
Stay tuned to UWSELA’s channels for more information on additional support opportunities.
CALL 211 FOR HELP
Area residents may dial 211 to access up-to-date information and available recovery services from local partners and government agencies in their respective parishes. A toll-free call to 211 will connect individuals to a community resources specialist who will help pinpoint critical aid.
UWSELA’S DISASTER RESPONSE
When the March 2022 tornado hit Arabi and New Orleans East, UWSELA provided $60,425 in crisis grants – thanks to generous donors – to the 74 affected households to aid in rebuilding and $5,000 grants to Arabi Elementary, the Community Center of St. Bernard and the Reaching for the Stars Foundation to fund their efforts to serve their respective communities.
UWSELA also began collecting personal hygiene supplies and diapers just 12 hours after the tornadic supercell moved over the region, and in only three days, received over $70,000 in material goods. Staff and volunteers dispersed the supplies via pop-ups and neighborhood canvassing, transported the remaining donations to the Community Center of St. Bernard, and helped organize their storeroom for easy distribution.
In the wake of Hurricane Ida, UWSELA team members were on the ground within a week coordinating with local officials to identify and respond to needs throughout the region. UWSELA raised over $3.5 million to support immediate needs and helped deliver $2 million in supply donation and mitigation materials.
Learn more at UnitedWaySELA.org/Disaster.