Hurricane Ida Resources
Apply for Assistance
FEMA Approves Gov. Edwards Request to Activate the Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) Program
On September 2, Gov. John Bel Edwards received word that FEMA has approved his request to activate the Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program that will provide much needed temporary housing for thousands of Louisianans who have been displaced by Hurricane Ida.
The TSA program is for eligible survivors with a damaged dwelling address within the federally designated parishes of Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Washington, West Baton Rouge, and West Feliciana.
They are eligible to stay in hotels in the following states: Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas.
TSA-eligible applicants must find and book their own hotel rooms. The list of participating hotels will be posted on DisasterAssistance.gov, under the link Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program or you can get it by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. For TTY, call 800-462-7585. For 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.
On Aug. 30, President Joseph R. Biden approved a major disaster declaration for Louisiana to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by Ida beginning on Aug. 26, 2021 and continuing.
1. FEMA Assistance: folks in the declared parishes can register for assistance for damage to homes or personal property and for a variety of other needs via:
a. Website: disasterassistance.gov
b. Mobile: The FEMA app is available for most devices
c. Phone: 1-800-621-3362
2. The Disaster Distress Helpline: This 24/7 helpline provides free crisis counseling for those experiencing mental and emotional distress due to disasters (this includes those who may be feeling retraumatized from past disasters, even if they are outside the path of this storm). Call or text 1-800-985-5990 (para Espanol, presiona “2”). Other languages are also available via interpretation services on the helpline.
3. Crisis Cleanup Hotline: Folks can register to request cleanup assistance (nonprofit organizations have access to the registry and connect with homeowners directly to provide free assistance, as available). 844-965-1386
As a result of Hurricane Ida, Disaster Unemployment Assistance is now available for people in 25 parishes. Determine if you qualify below.
Click here to apply: http://ow.ly/Je8E50G3jtE
Click here for FAQ’s: http://ow.ly/94xH50G3jtF
Relief Efforts around the Region
Just Love – Northshore Disciples are actively working with various congregations and organizations to help Hurricane Ida victims. They have been distributing cases of water, food, and generators. If you would like to contribute to their relief efforts, you can give to them online at www.JustLoveYourNeighbor.org.
Week of Compassion is currently working with partners and congregations–assessing damage, providing assistance, and planning for long-term recovery in areas affected by Ida. If you need assistance please contact Rev. Caroline Hamilton-Arnold, Associate Director, at Week of Compassion.
Contact Info
Email: caroline@weekofcompassion.org
Phone: 203.772.8597
Volunteer Opportunities
Louisiana Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (LA VOAD) is a consortium of voluntary agencies and non-profits dedicated to providing critical help to survivors and their communities throughout recovery.
Our partners at NOLA Ready need volunteers beginning asap:
- Work their eight cooling stations, distribute food/water open 8-6 with shorter shifts available.
- Volunteers who can use their personal vehicles to deliver food
- Supplies including water, diapers, pedialyte, gatorade, etc. – while they are already working with Second Harvest – any of our partners with extra of these supplies, please contact Anna directly in advance of any delivery.
Please have volunteers register online at https://ready.nola.gov/volunteer/ . If you have a large number of volunteers through your agency or supplies, please contact Anna at 504-250-9824. This is a great opportunity for your local churches/houses of worship who can get into the city to help