Help our neighbors impacted by Hurricane Laura
The Jewish Federations of Greater New Orleans, Greater Baton Rouge, and North Louisiana, and the Jewish Endowment Foundation of Louisiana, have partnered to create a relief fund for our neighbors in areas impacted by Hurricane Laura. We are collecting funds for both short term and long term needs.
The synagogues in both Lake Charles and Alexandria were badly damaged, and many Jewish residents of southwest Louisiana have lost their homes and businesses as a result of the the hurricane.
Tikkun olam starts with our neighbors, and we hope you will consider joining our efforts.
100% of all funds donated will be distributed to those in need.
This page will be updated as information is submitted. Please send updates to cait@jewishnola.com.
Your Federation mobilized immediately
On Friday, August 28, the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans mobilized swifly in coordination with Louisiana DCFS to provide necessary toiletries and baby supplies to evacuees at the New Orleans Sheraton and Marriott hotels in downtown New Orleans.
Special thanks to Federation's Humana Nourish Program: Presented by Metairie Bank, JNOLA, and JNEXT.
On Monday, August 31, the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans - along with our incredible community partners, including Jewish Family Service, Jewish Children's Regional Service, and the Jewish Endowment Foundation of Louisiana - convened a statewide task force, including representatives from the Lake Charles and Alexandria Jewish communities, to assess the needs of our neighbors and to map out our next steps. With additional assistance offered by the Jewish Federation of Greater Baton Rouge and the North Louisiana Jewish Federation, a donation mailbox was opened the same day.
Benefits Guidance and Telehealth Therapy
Jewish Family Service has mobilized to serve as a benefits resource, and is equipped to offer telehealth therapy sessions to those impacted by Hurricane Laura.
Gift Cards and Family Outreach
Jewish Children's Regional Service is collecting gift cards to retail stores like Lowe's, Home Depot, Target, and Walmart. If Jewish families in southwest and central Louisiana have additional needs, they are encouraged to contact JCRS.
Help Evacuees in New Orleans
More evacuees have arrived in New Orleans, and are spread out around multiple hotels in the city. A number of nonprofit organizations and mutual aid groups are helping consolidate asks and supply drives, including the United Way and the Junior League of New Orleans. The City of New Orleans, meanwhile, has activated a Family Resource Center at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Hall B (900 Convention Center Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70130) to connect medical, behavioral health, and social services to evacuees. Text WELCOMENOLA to 888777 to receive text alerts. The City has also mobilized a NOLA Ready Volunteer Corps to help with passing out donations in a centralized resource fair.
Volunteer
- NECHAMA is assessing volunteer needs in southwest and central Louisiana, and we are awaiting further guidance. SBP is also on the ground in affected areas, and has created this guide for residents impacted by Hurricane Laura.
- NOLA Ready’s Volunteer Corps and Second Harvest Food Bank are in high need of volunteers.