Disaster Relief

Hurricanes are a way of life in Louisiana, and as hurricane season arrives each year, St. Landry-Evangeline United Way must be prepared to assist in gathering resources, mobilizing volunteers and helping to lead in long term recovery efforts.

Volunteering After a Disaster

After a large-scale disaster or catastrophic event, a common question is “How can I help?”

Volunteer

Recovery efforts after natural disasters can take weeks, months, perhaps even years. Hurricane Katrina, Rita, Gustav, and Ike have all left their mark on our region, and in many areas, the long-term recovery is still going on.  But, thanks to volunteer workers clearing debris, helping displaced families and rebuilding towns, the recovery is possible. 

If you want to be involved in volunteer or disaster recovery first responder efforts, consider joining a volunteer group. Contact your local faith-based organizations, nonprofits or even the American Red Cross. Many organizations have established networks and training programs specifically for disaster response.

There are also other critical ways to volunteer - many organizations need people to make and answer phone calls, run errands or complete other administrative duties.

Here’s a summary of the actions to take before volunteering or rushing to the disaster scene:

1. Listen to your local media. Do not head to the disaster scene.
2. Wait at least 24 hours unless there is a request for immediate help.
3. Contact your local Red Cross, local faith-based groups or other nonprofit groups in your area.
   • Tell them how you would like to help (donation, blood, your services, etc.).
   • If you are volunteering your time, let them know when and how long you are available (afternoons, a few days, weeks, etc.).
   • Also, let them know if you have any special skills that might be of use (computer, language, organizational, first aid or disaster training, accounting, etc.).
4. If they do need your help, follow their instructions.
5. If they do not need your help at the moment, ask if you should call back in a few days or weeks.

Popular Disaster Relief Volunteer Organizations

• American Red Cross (to find your local chapter)
• America’s Second Harvest
• Citizen Corps and CERT Teams
• Humane Society of the United States
• National Organization for Victim Assistance
• National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster
• Points of Light and Hands On Network
• United Way of America
• Volunteers of America

Faith-Based Organizations

• Catholic Charities USA
• Church of the Brethren
• Church World Service
• Episcopal Relief and Development
• Habitat for Humanity
• International Orthodox Christian Charities
• Lutheran Disaster Response
• Mennonite Disaster Service
• North American Mission Board (Southern Baptist)
• Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
• The Salvation Army
• Seventh Day Adventist
• Society of St. Vincent de Paul
• United Church of Christ
• United Methodist Relief

These links are good jumping off points. We’re not necessarily endorsing any of the organizations above.  We're simply providing a list for you to find what best suits you.