ETSU Response
Hurricane Ida Response and Relief Efforts
Beginning on Sunday, August 29, Hurricane Ida made landfall as a Category 4 Hurricane. Flooding, high winds, and other severe weather have resulted in catastrophic damage, and a loss of power to over one million people. As the storm continues to move across the United States, the full extent of the impact is unknown. The search and rescue following the storm is continuing across Louisiana, Mississippi, and the Tennessee and Ohio valleys.
Ways to help
- The United Way of Southeast Louisiana and The Greater New Orleans Foundation are accepting monetary donations on behalf of the City of New Orleans. You can also donate items to these foundations (such as generators, charging stations, other basic needs).
- The American Red Crosscurrently has over 600 volunteers in Louisiana and Mississippi. They are manning several dozen evacuation shelters across several states. Emergency assistance is available to individuals whose homes were destroyed or majorly impacted. For more information, please contact the American Red Cross by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). You can also donate monetarily to the American Red Cross.
- The Salvation Army is providing up to 20,000 meals a day to victims in need. They are also providing victims with mobile laundry, a mobile shower, and a bunkhouse. If you would like to donate to the Salvation Army, you can do so on their website.
- Global Giving has a relief fund set up to assist with food, water, medicine, and other needed items.
- Mutual Aid Disaster Relief is looking for people who want to volunteer their time, or are able to donate resources and supplies. If you are interested in volunteering, please complete the form on their website.
- World Central Kitchen is also preparing and distributing meals to emergency shelters in the New Orleans area.
- Imagine Water Works is an organization led by Native, Creole, queer and trans community members in New Orleans, and is committed to assisting members of the LGBTQ community stay safe. You can donate to their organization to continue providing assistance to members of the community.
- Samaritans Purse has trucks that will be traveling to areas in need. They are currently accepting monetary donations to assist in the relief.
How to avoid charity scams
- Check out any organization seeking donations through the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance, the Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, or Guidestar.
- Ask questions on how and who will benefit from your donation. Resist pressure to give on the spot.
- If you are asked for a donation through text or email, contact the charity or nonprofit directly to verify the request.
- If you give through an app or website, ask if it is going directly to the organization.
- Don't assume a social media or blog recommendation has been approved by the nonprofit.
- Avoid giving cash.
- Always try to get a receipt for your donations and ask if it is tax deductible.
- If a paid fundraiser asks you for a donation, ask how much is kept by the fundraiser and how much goes to the nonprofit.
ETSU Support Services
The ETSU community provides support services for students, faculty, and staff who may have been affected by this disaster. The ETSU Dean of Students office is reaching out to offer to support and assistance to students who have home addresses listed in the counties impacted by the floods.
The ETSU Counseling Center provides personal counseling for students, as well as outreach and referrals. Students may access the ETSU Counseling Center at (423) 439-3333. The Counseling Center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Telehealth/Zoom services are also available. The Bucs Press 2 service is available 24/7/365 by dialing (423) 439-4841 and pressing 2 to speak to a counselor.
Student veterans who may have questions or need support are welcome to reach out to the ETSU Veteran’s Affairs office.
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a resource for faculty and staff who need counseling support and referral to other resources.
Student Organization Efforts
Leadership and Civic Engagement, housed within the Ronald and Edith J. Carrier Center, is serving as a clearinghouse for student response efforts. For more information, you may contact serve@etsu.edu