Mayor Mitch Landrieu announced that the City of New Orleans, in partnership with the Greater New Orleans Foundation (GNOF), will donate $40,000 in grants through the NOLA Pay It Forward Fund to four community organizations that are helping those affected by the recent major flooding in Louisiana. On Monday, Mayor Landrieu reactivated the NOLA Pay It Forward Fund for New Orleanians to contribute to early recovery efforts following major flooding that started last week in most of northern Louisiana and parts of southern Louisiana.
“The people of New Orleans know what it’s like to suffer through a disaster and we will never forget those who helped us when we needed it most,” Mayor Landrieu said. “Through this donation, we hope to pay it forward to other communities that are starting to recover and rebuild. We are grateful to those who generously contributed to the NOLA Pay It Forward Fund. But there is more work to do and we ask our residents to continue helping our neighbors affected by this devastating event.”
“We’re so grateful to people from all over the United States who are responding to our crises,” said Martha Landrum, vice president of marketing and communications at the Greater New Orleans Foundation. “Their generosity is making these rapid response grants possible.”
Through the NOLA Pay It Forward Fund, the Salvation Army of Baton Rouge, Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, Second Harvest of Greater New Orleans and Capital Area United Way will each receive $10,000.
Community Organizations and How to Help
The Salvation Army of Baton Rouge is looking for monetary or supply donations and volunteers to help sort and distribute the donations coming in.
Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank was significantly impacted by flooding and were only able to enter to the facility on Tuesday. A significant amount of canned goods were ruined by the floodwaters.
Second Harvest of Greater New Orleans is seeking donations to deliver disaster packs, including food and water, to the many communities affected by the flooding.
Capital Area United Way is housing volunteers coming in to help from out of town. They are in need of phone bank members and donated supplies.
The City and GNOF will play a continuous role in supporting the long-term recovery needs of the communities affected by the major flooding. Subsequent rounds of funding will be used to fund organizations that are mobilizing volunteers and resources to assist in rebuilding efforts and grassroots organizations driving community rebuilding in the affected parishes.
NOLA Pay It Forward Fund
Mayor Landrieu launched the NOLA Pay it Forward Fund in May 2011 to contribute to recovery efforts following the Mississippi River flooding disaster. It was also activated in 2012 in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy to support recovery efforts in the northeast and in May 2013 following catastrophic tornadoes in Oklahoma. The fund is housed with the Greater New Orleans Foundation.
Those interested in donating to the fund can go online to www.gnof.org/NOLApayitforward. Donors can also contact Allie Betts, donor relations manager at the Greater New Orleans Foundation, at 504-598-4663 or allie@gnof.org
