Here’s How Austinites Can Help The Victims Of Hurricane Ida In Louisiana
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Hurricane Ida hit Louisiana on Sunday and the extent of its devastation was slowly becoming clear.
The Associated Press reports that Ida hit the state with winds of up to 250 miles per hour, making it the fifth largest hurricane to hit the mainland. It arrived on the same day that Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana 16 years ago.
At least two people have been confirmed dead and hundreds are still missing, according to New Orleans Public Radio. Houses, schools and churches were destroyed in the municipality of Lafourche. About a million people in the state have been left without electricity, and many others have no phone or water connections.
Ida has been downgraded to a tropical storm, but it still poses a threat to the state. The damage is still being assessed and bailouts are in progress. Texas crews have left for Louisiana or are preparing to assist with search, evacuation, and other activities.
In Austin, the Austin Disaster Relief Network is coordinating efforts to help the victims and soliciting donations. The funds will be used to buy emergency supplies, groceries and other essentials. Donations will also help provide emergency shelters for the victims and restore their homes. Click here to donate online.
ADRN is also soliciting donations for survivors that include items such as blankets, toiletries, towels, and pillows. Kits can be customized for men, women, children, or families. Kits are available for delivery from ADRN headquarters or the Hope Family Thrift Store at 1122 E. 51st St., Austin. Click here for more information on assembling the kits.
Local entrepreneurs also take part in aid campaigns. Two taco trucks, Cuantos Tacos and Discada, have teamed up to gather essential supplies to help those hit by the storm.
Luis “Beto” Robledo, the owner of Cuantos Tacos in East Austin, posted on his Instagram Sunday that he would be collecting supplies outside of his taco trailer. He asks for canned and dry food, bug spray, toiletries, and even pet food.
“That is definitely what we are looking for,” he said. “People have pets, so they have to eat too.”
Robledo rented a medium-sized trailer that ward members had stocked up on Monday. The companies plan to start collecting more supplies starting Tuesday at 10 a.m. People can drop off supplies at 1108 E. 12th St., Austin. Check out the Discada and Cuantos Tacos Instagram pages for updates.
Here are other organizations that accept donations for relief efforts:
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