Call 2-1-1: Voluntary Agencies Can Help Survivors with Unmet Needs

BATON ROUGE, La. – As Louisianians continue to recover from Hurricane Isaac, they may have needs not met by state or federal grants and loans. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has partnered with more than 150 voluntary agencies that are providing a wide range of crucial assistance to survivors.

Voluntary agencies provide services such as debris cleanup, tree removal, counseling, home repairs and reconstruction. They also are instrumental in collecting and distributing donated food, clothing, cleaning supplies and other items needed by survivors as they begin their road to recovery.

Survivors may be connected to these agencies by calling the Louisiana information helpline at 2-1-1. Operators are available round-the-clock, seven days a week. Additional resources can also be found at www.louisiana211.org. Two parishes have set up hotlines to connect survivors with services. In Plaquemines Parish, the number is 1-504-564-0309. In St. John, the number is 1-985-359-1024.

“FEMA is doing everything we can to help survivors recover from Hurricane Isaac, but we can’t do everything,” said Gerard M. Stolar, FEMA’s federal coordinating officer. “By partnering with these voluntary agencies, we work together as part of the whole community to help survivors get their needs met.”

Calling 2-1-1 is not the same as registering with FEMA.  Those with uninsured or underinsured damages who have not registered with FEMA should apply online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Those without Internet access may call 1-800-621-3362 or TTY 1-800-462-7585. For 711 Relay or Video Relay Services, call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

For more information on Louisiana disaster recovery, click www.fema.gov/disaster/4080 or www.gohsep.la.gov. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion6 or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA. Also visit our blog at www.fema.gov/blog.