Coast Guard Foundation activates Disaster Relief and Response Program
by Coast Guard Foundation 3 Sep 2021 03:55 UTC
The Coast Guard conducts Hurricane Ida post-storm overflights along Gulf Coast on August 30, 2021. Assets conducted critical incident search and rescue overflights & assessed for damage along the Gulf Coast Region of Louisiana following Hurricane Ida © Petty Officer 2nd Class Ryan Dickinson
The Coast Guard Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to strengthening the Coast Guard community and service by supporting members and families, announced that it has activated its disaster relief and response program to provide critical resources to Coast Guard members impacted by Hurricane Ida.
Hurricane Ida left utter devastation in her wake, and thousands of Coast Guard members and their families are returning to homes that have been flattened and flooded.
"Our emergency disaster relief program is already helping impacted families," said Susan Ludwig, Coast Guard Foundation president. "Members are reporting complete and total losses, damaged roofs, and water and mold damage, among other needs. It will be some time before they can return to their homes. I ask you to stand with us today to help our service members in this time of great need."
One applicant to the grant program shared, "We are struggling. The power went out just before Ida hit us. The power will not be on for close to a month. At this point we are already running short with the extra expenses. This is a horrible situation and the damage is devastating."
Coast Guard members and families affected by Hurricane Ida are eligible to apply for a Coast Guard Foundation disaster relief grant, which can be used to cover personal losses and basic needs, including replacement and repair of household goods, food and essential living supplies, insurance deductibles, temporary housing and emergency travel.
To support the Coast Guard Foundation's disaster relief and response program, visit www.coastguardfoundation.org/disaster-relief.
To apply for assistance, visit www.coastguardfoundation.org/news/news-alert-emergency-disaster-relief-assistance-available.
Click to view a video of Coast Guard Foundation regional director Andrew Kerr on scene in Mobile, the hub of the Coast Guard's air response, speak with Capt. Chris Hulser who commands the air station there.
To learn more about the Coast Guard Foundation, or to help support its work, please visit www.coastguardfoundation.org or call (860) 535-0786.