Hurricane Ida Updates & Resources
CHALMETTE, LA - St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation is working in partnership with St. Bernard Parish Government, Louisiana Economic Development, and a number of other relief organizations to provide assistance to businesses and residents of St. Bernard Parish and the state of Louisiana.
As many of you are aware, St. Bernard Parish is currently without power and Parish Government and rescue volunteers are working to clear the roads and provide basic necessities to residents who are currently sheltering in place. Additionally, areas outside the levee protection system are largely inaccessible at this time and have experienced significant damages. St. Bernard Parish is under dusk till dawn curfew in order to keep residents and rescue crews safe.
Here at SBEDF, we are committed to assisting with the Hurricane Ida relief efforts to ensure businesses and residents of St. Bernard Parish are accessing the resources necessary to make a full recovery. We are confident that our tight-knit community will come out of this storm stronger than ever and are proud of the resilience our residents have shown thus far.
St. Bernard Parish Government is hard at work discussing the clean-up efforts in the Parish. For real-time information, check out SBPG's Facebook page.
Business Assistance Form
SBEDF is currently gathering information about potential damages to St. Bernard Businesses that have been impacted by Hurricane Ida. In order to do so, we have created a Google Form and are requesting small business owners fill it out. This form is intended to help SBEDF keep track of businesses in the parish that need assistance so that we can connect business owners and employees to resources as they become available.
The form can be found here.
PLEASE NOTE, due to the nature and mission of our organization, SBEDF is focusing on relief efforts as they pertain to BUSINESSES in St. Bernard Parish. This form is intended to assess the business needs within the parish. Please do NOT report residential damage on this form. If you need residential assistance, please check out FEMA's website.
Resident Resources
For those who are seeking resources and immediate help, please check out the following organizations and links. For URGENT needs, please call the St. Bernard Sheriff's Office at 911.
Federal Disaster Assistance
Check out Louisiana's Disaster Assistance Site.
Additional tips and guidelines can be found by checking out FEMA's website or calling the FEMA hotline at 800-621-3362.
Business Resources
GNO, Inc. provides a comprehensive list of planning and recovery resources for businesses.
Cajun Navy
If you or a loved one needs a rescue, here is the rescue request form.
Additional Notes
Thanks to Southeast Louisiana Legal Services for this tip: save all your receipts for evacuation expenses, generators, and any other hurricane-related expenses to have them ready to file a FEMA claim after the storm.
If you are leaving St. Bernard following the storm, please be careful on the roads. If you need shelter, call 2-1-1 OR text LASHELTER to 898211.
We will continue to update these resources as the situation develops.
Relief Organizations
For those who are not currently in St. Bernard Parish or who are looking to donate to organizations directly serving St. Bernard and/or the State of Louisiana, please check out the following organizations.
United Way of Southeast Louisiana
“United Way of Southeast Louisiana is here before, during, and after disasters. When a disaster strikes, your gift helps families get back in their homes, rebuild schools and businesses, and give our vulnerable neighbors the care they need. United Way works with local organizations to thoughtfully build strategies to create resilient communities.” Donate here.
Greater New Orleans Foundation (GNOF) - Disaster Response and Restoration Fund
The Foundation has provided immediate grants totaling $50,000 to give organizations that have a regional reach, are staged to respond, and coordinate their response with local and regional emergency managers. Donate here.
Cajun Navy
“The Cajun Navy are informal ad hoc volunteer groups comprising private boat owners who assist in search and rescue efforts in the United States as well as offer Disaster Relief assistance. These groups were formed in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and reactivated in the aftermaths of various storms from 2016 through 2021. They are credited with rescuing thousands of citizens during those disasters.” Donate here, Request a rescue here.
Imagine WaterWorks – Hurricane Ida Relief Fund
From their website: “Our core focus areas are climate justice, water management, and disaster readiness and response. With the issues we’re facing today, we know that our communities need immediate support and the ability to work toward a better future, at the same time. We support these efforts by providing resources that keep people safer before, during, and after both natural and manmade disasters.” Donate here.
Mutal Aid Louisiana
From their website: “We are fundraising directly for folks in need of hurricane prep, evacuation, and the aftermath. This is an emergency campaign to help families during this life-altering hurricane. We have set up a campaign where families can request a one-time amount of $1-1,000 for help and assistance. " Donate here.
If you are aware of other organizations serving St. Bernard or the State of Louisiana, please email contact@sbedf.org to share them with our team.