Gulf states get hammered, how to help?
August 29, 2021 9:58 PM Subscribe
Ida is roaring through Louisiana and other states. Normally, I'd just send some cash off to the Red Cross, but I've been wondering if maybe there might be better choices. What charities would you suggest?
This comment in the Ida thread on the blue seemed to have some good options for mutual aid and BIPOC led groups.
posted by geegollygosh at 5:00 AM on August 30, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by geegollygosh at 5:00 AM on August 30, 2021 [1 favorite]
Photojuornalist @photoaziz on Instagram has also been posting known mutual aid groups in his stories. He's connected to the community and trusted.
posted by quince at 1:40 PM on August 30, 2021
posted by quince at 1:40 PM on August 30, 2021
I think this NPR piece from today about the Red Cross is a timely relevant read and may give you some ideas about donating hyper-locally:
https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2021/08/30/red-cross-haiti-aid
posted by Dansaman at 9:52 PM on August 30, 2021 [1 favorite]
https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2021/08/30/red-cross-haiti-aid
posted by Dansaman at 9:52 PM on August 30, 2021 [1 favorite]
For what it's worth, a 2014 comment blasting the American Red Cross (specifically the ARC vs the international organization) made a big impression on me, so thank you for looking into local organizations. That comment in the Ida thread looks like some great places to start.
posted by kristi at 5:58 PM on August 31, 2021
posted by kristi at 5:58 PM on August 31, 2021
This thread is closed to new comments.
These people typically assist with search and rescue at this stage. You can follow their Facebook page to see what their immediate needs are. Look for the blue circle check mark next to their name on Facebook.
They will typically use donations for water/food/fuel/blankets. There is sometimes criticism about these organizations because there may not be a lot of accountability for how the donations are spent, however most of the people are volunteering their time and equipment and putting themselves at considerable risk to help their “neighbors” and having these supplies available to them increases the help they can provide.
posted by Short End Of A Wishbone at 10:50 PM on August 29, 2021 [2 favorites]