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

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. In Louisiana, there is an United Way organization serving every community. 11 regional United Ways serve our state along with the Louisiana Association of United Ways. You can find your local United Way here.

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 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

211 is an easy to remember telephone number that connects Louisiana help seekers to information about critical health and human services available in their community. Trained information and referral specialists answer 211 contacts, coming in from all parishes in Louisiana.

• Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including times of disaster.
• Confidential and free services.
• Reach a live 211 specialist during limited hours by texting your zip code to 898-211.
• Provides multilingual services and information for the hearing impaired.
• Maintains a computerized database of more than 8,500 resources and services statewide.
• Works in collaboration with non-profit agencies, faith-based organizations and government.

Louisiana 211 eight regional Louisiana-based nonprofit partners power services. The Louisiana 211 Statewide Network includes: Capital Area United Way, 232-HELP, United Way of Central Louisiana, United Way of Northeast Louisiana, United Way of Northwest Louisiana, United Way of Southwest Louisiana, VIA LINK, and the Louisiana Association of United Ways.

LOUISIANA 2-1-1 COVERAGE MAP