United Way Responds to Gulf Coast Oil Spill

Need Assistance?

2-1-1 is available to disseminate information regarding the relief efforts surrounding the recent Gulf Coast Oil Spill. Call 2-1-1 from any cellular or land line 24-hours a day, 7 days a week for more information about:

• Volunteer Opportunities
• Job Training and Employment Opportunities
• Reporting Damaged Property or Injured Wildlife

 

"Neighbors Helping Neighbors"

Meanwhile, on Friday, May 7, United Way joined forces with Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc. and Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana. Winn-Dixie launched its "Neighbors Helping Neighbors" program, where shoppers at any of its 36 New Orleans area stores can contribute to United Way's fund to help those impacted by the Gulf Coast Oil Spill. Winn-Dixie donated over 28,000 gallons of bottled water and 42,000 pounds of food items -- enough to fill three semi-trailers.
Listen for how you can help...

 

United Way and Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans Partner for Help

United Way is also working in partnership with Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans [CCANO] to assist Plaquemines and St. Bernard Parish residents who are already feeling the effects of the Gulf Coast Oil Spill. If you need assistance, please call 2-1-1 for more information or to find a location for help near you. You can also reach the Catholic Charities CARE LINE at (866) 891-2210 to learn about available assistance, as locations for on-site help are subject to change.

CCANO is currently providing services at the following locations:

• St. Bernard Parish
  • St. Bernard Catholic Church
    2805 Bayou Road
• Plaquemines Parish
  • St. Patrick Catholic Church
    28698 Highway 23 in Port Sulphur
  • St. Thomas Catholic Church
    17605 Highway 15 in Pointe A la Hache
• Orleans Parish
  • Mary Queen of Vietnam Community Development Corporation
    4626 Alcee Fortier Blvd.
  • There is also a liaison at the BP Claims Center in New Orleans East
• Jefferson Parish
  • St. Anthony Catholic Church
    2653 Jean Lafitte Boulevard

Volunteering

United Way is working to ensure those affected by the Gulf Coast oil spill have access to information and resources.  That’s why United Way is now providing communications and community coordination expertise to British Petroleum during the Deepwater Horizon cleanup. BP says it will pay for all necessary clean-up costs.

BP is contracting with the Louisiana Association of United Ways (LAUW) and Louisiana 2-1-1; the recognized 'go to’ information and referral system. The easy to remember three-digit telephone number connects people to health and human services as well as volunteer opportunities.

There have been a significant number of calls and emails to BP, government agencies, elected officials and nonprofits from people all over the country wanting to help or get involved in the cleanup. Training is required to volunteer. Unannounced, untrained volunteers can create an additional burden on those coordinating response efforts. LA 2-1-1 will serve as an important part of the Louisiana Volunteer Pipeline registering those who want to help with the oil spill efforts at www.volunteerlouisiana.gov to assist the LA Serve commission of the Lieutenants Governor’s office with volunteer coordination.

United Way for the Greater New Orleans Area has also created and is distributing 2-1-1 pocket cards. One side is in English and the reverse side is in Vietnamese or Spanish. This is part of an ongoing effort to reach those who may not be aware of the 24/7 helpline.

 

How You Can Help

BP's spill response "includes efforts to protect the Gulf coast, to contain the spill offshore at the surface and to stem the flow of oil into the water from the sub-sea well," but there exists an immediate need for assistance in the lower Louisiana parishes. At the request of Plaquemines Parish President Billy Nungesser and St. Bernard Parish President Craig Taffaro, United Way has set up a fund to meet the health and human service needs of Louisiana residents impacted by the oil spill.

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