Volunteer Relief + Organizations

Resources, although usually provided by the local Parish or the State can also come through donations and volunteer organizations. Louisiana maintains a strong relationship with our local volunteer and relief organizations.

Louisiana VOAD

Louisiana Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (LAVOAD) has been in existence for more than twenty years. In Louisiana, where being a good neighbor is a tradition, where even a relaxed way of life experiences distress, LAVOAD is a strong component of the Disaster cycle (planning and mitigation through long-term recovery) and a fierce advocate for those who need guidance.

Through partnerships with local, State and Federal Government response agencies, LAVOAD is able to help diminish the immediate and ongoing trauma that occurs in the wake of disaster or catastrophe.

“We help those agencies in your hometown help you faster, more completely and more personally.”

Volunteer Louisiana

The mission of Volunteer Louisiana is to build and sustain high quality programs that meet the needs of Louisiana's citizens and promote an ethic of service.

In 1993, Volunteer Louisiana was established in the Office of the Lieutenant Governor to rekindle the spirit of service and citizenship among the citizens of Louisiana. A policy-making body, the Commission serves as the focal point for national service efforts in the state and acts as a clearinghouse for national service programs operating in Louisiana.

Volunteer Louisiana receives the funding from the Corporation for National and Community Service, which was established under the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993. Volunteer Louisiana awards grants to organizations and schools that foster civic responsibility and provide educational opportunities for those who make a substantial commitment to service.

National service is about getting things done, strengthening our communities, encouraging civic responsibility and expanding opportunity. Members of national service programs engage in sustainable projects that allow them to make fundamental changes in their communities. Programs not only create long-term results; they also rekindle the ethic of citizen service. Members are service pioneers committed to getting things done at the grassroots level and fortifying the ties that bind us together as a national community.

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross has a unique role in serving as the safety net for people in the hour of their greatest need. The Red Cross provides food and shelter in emergencies, assists members of our armed forces and their families, teaches lifesaving skills, and more.

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people.

United Way

The United Way Worldwide is the world’s largest privately funded nonprofit charitable organization with more than 1,800 local United Way offices throughout 40 countries forming a coalition that pools efforts for fundraising and support. The United Way Worldwide consists of nearly 2.6 million volunteers, 9.6 million donors and raises more than $5 billion dollars per year.

United Way’s focus is to identify and resolve pressing community issues. They make measurable changes in communities through partnerships with schools, government agencies, businesses, organized labor, financial institutions, community development corporations, voluntary and neighborhood associations, the faith community and others. United Way offices respond largely to education, income, and health; however, each community is different and therefore, primary focuses are determined locally.

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army, a Christian denominational church and international charitable organization, has a reported 1.5 million worldwide membership. Their calling is to serve the poor, destitute and hungry by meeting both their “physical and spiritual needs.”

Their mission statement is simple and direct; it reads:

“Our message is based on the Bible.
Our ministry is motivated by the love of God.
Our mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs    in his name without discrimination.”

The Salvation Army is present in 126 countries, operating charity shops, shelters for the homeless and providing disaster relief and humanitarian aid.

Louisiana 2-1-1

Louisiana 2-1-1 is a collaboration and partnership between VIA LINK, Baton Rouge Crisis Intervention Center, 232-HELP, 310-INFO, Louisiana Association of United Ways and the State of Louisiana.

2-1-1 is an easy to remember phone number that connects callers to information and services in times of need. It is available twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week, even during disasters.

Every day, someone, somewhere in Louisiana dials 2-1-1 to find help such as:

• Basic Human Needs Resources: food, clothing, shelter and financial assistance.
• Physical and Mental Health Resources: medical information lines, crisis intervention services, support groups, counseling, drug and alcohol intervention, rehabilitation, health insurance programs, Medicaid and Medicare, maternal health and children’s health insurance programs.
• Employment Support: unemployment benefits, financial assistance, job training, transportation assistance and education programs.
• Support for Older Americans and Persons with Disabilities: home health care, adult day care, congregate meals, respite care, transportation and homemaker services.
• Support for Children, Youth and Families: quality childcare, afterschool programs, family resource centers, summer camps and recreational programs, mentoring, tutoring and protective services.
• Volunteer Opportunities and Donations.

LOUISIANA 2-1-1 COVERAGE MAP