In late August, Hurricane Laura hit Louisiana. This category four hurricane caused tremendous damage across the state, specifically in Northeast Louisiana. Less than a month later, Sally, a category two hurricane, ravaged the Gulf Coast. With the massive amounts of residents needing assistance, United Way of Northeast Louisiana and United Way of Southwest Alabama reached out to Alabama’s 211 network for help.
As part of the Alabama 211 network, United Way of Central Alabama joined forces with call centers across the state along with Louisiana 211 to ensure survivors were equipped with critical information and services during a time of great uncertainty and suffering. UWCA staff members assisted with 80 calls while still fulfilling the duties of their full-time positions. The top needs staff members helped Louisiana residents with were emergency shelter, food, and disaster cleanup information.
Louisiana Association of United Ways President and CEO Sarah Berthelot said, “Louisiana 211 is grateful for United Way of Central Alabama’s team for answering the calls for help as Louisiana entered the immediate disaster response for Hurricane Laura. Louisiana 211 is proud to serve alongside UWCA as part of a strong U.S. 211 network.”
2-1-1 Connects Alabama, the statewide call network UWCA is apart of, is currently assisting individuals impacted by Hurricane Sally with resources. United Way of Central Alabama employees are currently taking night and weekend shifts to assist in this effort.
“United Way of Central Alabama’s 2-1-1 services are responding to the impacts of Hurricane Sally across Alabama. We are seeing an increase in calls for assistance with shelter resources, tarps for damaged roofs, and issues with severe flooding. If you have resources available, please dial 2-1-1 and provide your resource information so individuals can receive help,” said Karla Lawrence, United Way of Central Alabama Senior VP Community Initiatives.
UWCA will continue to help in recovery efforts in Louisiana and on the Gulf Coast.
United Way of Central Alabama serves Jefferson, Shelby, Walker, Blount, and St. Clair counties by providing solutions for the most critical needs in the community. Through our partner agencies and community initiatives, we improve lives and community conditions by building and mobilizing resources. United Way fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community. For more information, visit www.uwca.org.