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Special Statement from LFT President Larry Carter on the Aftermath of Hurricane Ida

Dear LFT Members,

I am heartbroken to see the damage across Southeastern Louisiana done by Hurricane Ida. While we are no strangers to hurricanes, this exceptional storm has made a significant impact throughout the state, particularly in our low-lying areas in the Southeast. Many homes were damaged or destroyed and hundreds of thousands of people remain without power. Rebuilding our homes and communities may take months.
 
This week, with the assistance of our national affiliate, the American Federation of Teachers, we have reached out via text to our members in areas impacted by the storm. We have successfully connected with thousands of our members and I am happy to report that the majority of the LFT family is safe, for now, but we have a long road to recovery before us.
 
If you have evacuated from the storm, please heed the advice of your local officials about when it is safe to return. It is important that we not put additional pressure on our already strained emergency response system at this time. If not, city and state officials, along with mutual aid groups are working to provide food, water, cooling centers and other resources to help. Here is a list of updates and resources for each parish impacted by Hurricane Ida:
 

Louisiana State-wide Resources: https://hurricanerecovery.la.gov/

FEMA
Louisiana homeowners and renters affected by Hurricane Ida who live in parishes that have recently been designated for Individual Assistance could be eligible for help from FEMA.
 
The parishes are: Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Washington, West Baton Rouge, and West Feliciana Parishes.
 
The fastest and easiest way to apply is by visiting disasterassistance.gov
 
If it is not possible to apply online, call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). The toll-free telephone lines operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT, seven days a week. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service. 

Blue Roof Program
If your roof was damaged due to Hurricane Ida, the roof should be covered in a tarp as soon as possible. The Blue Roof Program is the best way to ensure that your home is secure and protected and the service is free for homeowners. Go to: 
https://www.mvn.usace.army.mil/Missions/Emergency-Operations/Blue-Roof-Information/ for more information.

Disaster Food Assistance
https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2021/09/02/food-help-way-louisiana-households-hit-hurricane-ida
 
Apply for food assistance- and additional assistance here: 
http://www.disasterassistance.gov/get-assistance/find-assistance

Pre-register for DSNAP
Pre-register now to get a head start on your application if DSNAP is approved. 
While DSNAP has not yet been approved for Hurricane Ida, you can pre-register now to get a head start on your application if DSNAP is approved for your parish. Visit dcfs.la.gov/preregister for more information or text LADSNAP to 898-211 to receive DSNAP updates

Gas Availability
Southeastern Louisiana is experiencing gas shortages as more people are looking for fuel for generators and cars. To find out where gas is available near you, residents can use the GasBuddy app, which tracks prices and availability for gas stations across the country. Download the app, or use the online portal: gasbuddy.com. 

AFT Hardship Relief Grant -- DEADLINE HAS PASSED

To help aid in this recovery, the Louisiana Federation of Teachers has partnered with the American Federation of Teachers to provide hardship assistance to members impacted by Hurricane Ida.

This relief funding is intended to help cover some of our member's expenses incurred from evacuation, home damage, or loss of personal property. Members impacted by Hurricane Ida are welcome to apply for funding, using this link: https://awa.knack.aft.org/aftrelief#

Union Plus Disaster Relief Grant

Union members who participate in particular Union Plus programs may be eligible to receive a $500 disaster relief grant that doesn’t have to be repaid. In order to qualify, you must be a union member participating in either the Union Plus Credit Card, the Teamster Privilege Credit Card, Union Plus Mortgage, Union Plus Life/Accident, Union Plus Auto Insurance, Union Plus Personal Loan or Union Plus Retiree Healthcare. To learn more visit: https://www.unionplus.org/benefits/home-auto/disaster-relief-grants 

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