Ark-La-Tex prepares to assist Ida victims
Weather Channel reported that “Ida’s catastrophic crawl across Louisiana has left at least two people dead, thousands of miles of power lines out of service and 911 dispatch centers inoperable.” The article went on to say that “rescuers were still trying to reach people trapped in their homes in some areas, and residents are being told not to return to New Orleans and other areas across southeast Louisiana until further notice.”
Because of the hurricane many people are displaced and in need of assistance. People have already begun to move up from the coast looking for shelter according to a press release from the Texarkana Arkansas press release. Moreover, relief organizations and churches begin to work with rescue teams on the coast to help the victims affected by the hurricane.
GT church to be The Cajun Navy official drop-off for Atlanta
Locally, the GT Disaster Relief team at GT Church in Atlanta TX is gearing up to deliver food and other supplies to the people affected by Hurricane Ida. Through September 7, 2021, we are collecting non-perishable foods, cleaning supplies, flashlights, batteries, etc. to deliver to South Louisiana. Anyone able to donate items, please contact Pastor Keith Hampton 903-280-3132, Darryl Yancey 903-407-7778, or Nicole Yancey 830-305-4041 to arrange drop-off or pick-up of donated items.
GT Church has also been contacted by The Cajun Navy to be the area drop-off for them this week as well. “We are calling this Community Serving Community. We will be collecting specifically for The Cajun Navy this Wednesday and Thursday 9-4 so that we can get supplies to them as soon as possible. As always water is the biggest need at this time along with a list, they sent us,” says pastors Keith and Anita Hampton. “We are a church serving the community in need”
Some of the items needed that GT Church will be accepting are gas - 5 gal gas cans, bottled water, water jugs, tarps/nails, zip ties/ bungees, Gatorade, diapers, wipes, Clorox wipes, flashlights, batteries, pads/tampons, toilet paper, paper plates, plastic utensils, toiletries, first aid, non-perishable food items, pet food, baby formula/baby food, insect repellent, rapid tests, bleach, work gloves, personal protective equipment, and trash bags.
Texarkana Arkansas issues release about sheltering evacuees
“The Texarkana Arkansas Police Department would like to share some information with our community and our local churches. Our Patrol Division has seen a surge in hurricane evacuees from south Louisiana in our town.
“They have spoken with some of these evacuees and have found they are having difficulty finding lodging due to the hurricane storm for the next few days. Some evacuees have said Texarkana was the first place they have found available rooms at our hotels.
“Please be mindful of the possible needs of these evacuees. We would also like to ask for our local churches to be prepared, if not already, to house or partner with the community to tend to the needs of the situation if it arises.
“We will keep the community updated on any meaningful information about this situation.
“Thank you, and don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at (903)-798-3130 if you see a need for a police response about this matter.”
Other ways to help
There are lots of opportunities to give and help when there is a disaster like this one. This also unfortunately is the time that scammers and fraudsters call on the phone to solicit money and supplies that never find their way to the victims. It is best first to work with those in your own community that you have a relationship like churches and other organizations that you know the money or supplies you give will find their intended home.
Outside of your local organizations the “City of New Orleans recommendations: While the city said they cannot accept money, New Orleans officials recommend donating to United Way of Southeast Louisiana and The Greater New Orleans Foundation,” according to USA Today.
Other organizations you that is good to give to include American Red Cross, Imagine Water Works, Mutual Aid Disaster Relief, NOLA Ready, Save the Children, The Salvation Army and the World Central Kitchen. If you are at all suspicious look up the organization on charitynavigator.org to see if the organization is legitimate. You should never give your personal information or credit cards to people who call you on the phone claiming to be from a reputable organization. Contact the origination directly.
Moreover, when you do a search for the organization make sure you are indeed on their official website. Search engines will have listings of different websites when you search for a reputable organization. Not always will the ad above the natural search listing will be the actual charity you are looking for.