In the days following landfall of Hurricane Ida, the fifth-most-powerful hurricane to strike the U.S., some low-lying communities remained largely underwater, nearly a million homes and businesses in Louisiana and Mississippi had no electricity, and health officials said more than 600,000 people were without running water.
The devastation from the storm spanned across the country to the Northeast where remnants of Ida caused dangerous flash floods and tornadoes. As of September 3, 2021, dozens of people had lost their lives and more than 30,000 homes in the region were still without power.
Experts estimate Ida could rank anywhere from the fifth- to seventh-costliest U.S. hurricane.
With thousands of ISN customers in the areas affected by Ida, ISN made a $50,000 donation to the American Red Cross to support relief efforts. In addition to this donation, volunteer and monetary donations made by ISN employees to a qualifying charity will be matched 2:1.
“Our thoughts are with those affected by the devastation from Hurricane Ida as recovery efforts continue in the communities that surround our customers, friends and families,” said Brian Callahan, ISN President and Chief Operating Officer.
The Red Cross has committed to working side-by-side with partners to help people recover from Ida for the weeks and months to come. Hundreds of trained Red Cross workers are on the ground, and as of September 3, 2021, the Red Cross and its partners had already provided more than 29,000 meals and snacks and distributed more than 10,800 relief items.
For Those in Need
Members of the public should continue to monitor local news outlets for weather updates and follow guidance from local officials. If a friend or loved one is in harm’s way, urge them to be safe and listen to the advice of emergency officials.
Anyone in the affected area that needs a safe place to stay should call 211, visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or download the free Red Cross Emergency app for shelter locations.
Red Cross shelters are open to everyone in need, regardless of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation or citizenship status. All disaster assistance is free, and the Red Cross don’t require people to show any kind of identification to enter a shelter — just their name and where they were living before the disaster.
Ways to Help
If you wish to support relief efforts, below is a short list of organizations that are aiding in the recovery.
American Red Cross
You can donate online, call 1-800-HELP NOW, or tell Alexa: “Alexa, make a donation to the American Red Cross.”
Cajun Navy Relief
Founded in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the non-profit helps rescue people who are stranded and helps deliver critical supplies.
Imagine Water Works
The Mutual Aid Response Network is a group of Louisiana residents, led by Imagine Water Works, that activates during floods, storms, and other natural and manmade disasters. All donations to this fund will support relief and recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Ida, as well as essential preparation for the rest of hurricane season.
Save the Children
Save the Children provides emergency aid in natural disasters, war, and other conflicts. The Hurricane Ida Children’s Relief Fund will go towards providing essential items to families affected by the storms.
The Humane Society
The Humane Society of the United States focuses on animal welfare, and the Disaster Relief Fund helps animals affected by natural disasters.
World Central Kitchen
World Central Kitchen (WCK) uses the power of food to nourish communities and strengthen economies in times of crisis and beyond. WCK's Relief Team immediately began preparing hot, fresh meals for first responders and families affected by Hurricane Ida.