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NEW ORLEANS — The City of New Orleans today continued to support efforts to provide relief to more than 9,000 evacuees leaving behind the devastation of Hurricane Laura in Southwest Louisiana.
New Orleans shelter capacity has been reached. If evacuees are still in need of shelter, the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services is directing people to the Alexandria Mega Shelter, 8125 Hwy. 71 South, Alexandria, LA 71302. This information is also available via 2-1-1.
Text WELCOMENOLA to 888777 for information from the City of New Orleans on resources, services, and events available to you.
Evacuees also may download the resource flyer here.
Tomorrow the City will be continuing a Resource Fair for Evacuees from 10 a.m. to
2 p.m. at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, 870 Convention Center Blvd., Hall B.
Services being offered include:
- Prescription assistance
- Tele-health services
- Mental & behavioral health referrals
- Crisis counseling
- Baby & Children's supplies
- Breastfeeding support & formula
- WIC services
- Donated clothing
For shuttle service information for the resource fair and a calendar of events click here.
City staff, including those from the New Orleans Office of Homeland Security (NOHSEP) and the New Orleans Health Department (NOHD), are partnering with several supporting agencies, including the State of Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS), the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP), the Louisiana State Police and the Louisiana National Guard.
Residents are reminded that the best way to help evacuees in the immediate aftermath is to donate directly to response organizations on the ground in Southwest Louisiana. Please do not drop off physical goods, neither in the affected area nor at shelters for evacuees, unless specifically requested. There are immediate needs for diapers and clothing — especially men's clothing, new or gently used. This is being done in coordination with the Junior League and United Way of Southeast Louisiana. City staff is also working with local agencies to support a range of services, including Metropolitan Human Services District, LCMC Health, New Orleans Breast Feeding Center, and access to WIC services including help with baby formula and diapers.
Today (Monday) and Tuesday, Sep. 1, the United Way and the Junior League of New Orleans are accepting donations for select items identified by DCFS as high-priority needs:
United Way Donation Drop-Off
Items being sought for donations include soap, hand sanitizer, masks, lotion, baby powder, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, brushes, combs, cotton swabs, lip balm, small children’s toys, and feminine hygiene products. These items can be dropped off at the United Way, 2515 Canal St., Monday and Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Junior League Donation Drop-Off
Items being sought for donations include clean, new or gently-used clothing (men's, women's, children) and new socks and underwear. These items can be dropped off at the Junior League, 4319 Carondelet St., Monday and Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Reminder: Please do not drop off any donations directly at shelters.
COVID-19 Testing
Testing is being provided for evacuees at the Convention Center. Evacuees are encouraged to pre-register at doineedacovid19test.com, although pre-registration is not required. Evacuees are reminded that COVID-19 restrictions are in place in New Orleans. Masks are required in public and gathering sizes are limited to 25 people. More information on COVID-19 restrictions are available at ready.nola.gov/reopening.
Also, NOHSEP Director Collin Arnold noted that the City is working with the New Orleans Public Library to help evacuees gain online access to Internet so they can register for federal assistance at https://www.disasterassistance.gov. The RTA is providing a free "bus bridge" along Canal Street, Loyola Avenue, Poydras Street, and Convention Center Boulevard to aid evacuees to the resource fair — especially those with mobility issues. The Main Library will be on that route and available for computer assistance.
Learn more about assistance for evacuees at the NOLA Ready page here, and for donation information click here. You can also read more updates here.
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