Dear Friends and Supporters ... We thank each of you for your concern and offers of support as we seek to respond to Hurricane Gustav. As many of you are aware, Gustav knocked out power throughout our Diocese, and several areas are facing weeks without electricity. This, in turn, has created significant problems for people’s access to food, health care, and in some cases even safe drinking water, while also contributing to major fuel shortages. For many households, the economic hardship of evacuation--calculated for many in unbudgeted expenditures of gas, hotel stays, and meals away from home—has been exacerbated by the continued power outage. Relief supplies from FEMA, the Red Cross, and Salvation Army have begun to arrive, but lines are long and demand far outpaces supply. In addition, many rural areas are still waiting to be served.

The Diocese of Louisiana has been meeting these needs by opening hospitality centers at churches in hard-hit areas. As we provide meals and water, we also offer care, connection, and comfort—including, at times, simply the chance to cool off in an air-conditioned space! We are also working to supply material resources such as tarps, generators, and ice where they are needed most.

You can help us to respond to the impact of Hurricane Gustav with your prayers, your financial support, and your help in locating needed supplies. To date, we have especially been seeking ice and bottled water. If you have any sources of large quantities of either, please call Ben Taylor at 504-258-7521. We also expect gift cards, grocery items, and cleaning supplies & insect repellent to be of use in some areas. Needs do change almost hourly, so we ask that you please contact Ben before sending any donations our way, to be sure that we still can use your generous gifts! 

Once again, we thank you,

Nell Bolton

Executive Director

Office of Disaster Response