When our "Safety Net" stepped up in a big way.....
Thanks to many supporters - as Hurricane Ida approached South Louisiana, we were able to immediately begin assisting our recipients / culture bearers....
First, we helped cover hotel rooms for elders who were living in flood-prone parts of New Orleans...
Then as the storm passed, New Orleans fell into a 10 day power failure in 100 degree heat - a potentially deadly situation for elders. We began delivering ice, coolers, flashlights, and food to many of our recipients who we knew were hunkered down...
we also put together a team of professional roofers who were able to repair and tarp 150+ roofs - beginning just two days after the hurricane passed.... all of these were houses of culture and vulnerable elders in our community.... paid for by Feed The Second Line
Finally, as things in New Orleans stabilized and power returned... we created lots of job opportunities for younger musicians and culture bearers - delivering hurricane relief supplies to our neighbor communities "down the bayou" in Chauvin, Point Aux Chene, and Montegut Louisiana - communities that were really devastated.
This work opportunity was vital for many - especially musicians who had lost their gig opportunities for weeks because of the storm....