232-HELP/211 is "the" designated 2-1-1 provider for Southwest Louisiana.  If you live within Southwest Louisiana or are temporarily house in this region - Acadia, Avoyelles, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin,  St. Mary, Terrebonne or Vermilion parishes -  we can help you.

Resources       Want to Help         What to Listen For     Whose Most at Risk?

Louisiana 2-1-1

We're here to help you navigate the maze of social service agencies and programs 

Disaster Loan Outreach Center Closed In St. Martin Parish: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) closed the Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) located at the St. Martin Parish Fire Training Center, 1035 Ruth Bridge Hwy, on Thursday, March 29 at 4:00 p.m.  To date, SBA has approved more than $3.6 million in low interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters and business owners who suffered damage as a result of the severe storms and tornadoes that occurred Feb. 12 and 13 in Jefferson, Orleans and St. Martin parishes.

After the DLOC closes, individuals and business owners should mail their completed applications to 14925 Kingsport Rd., Fort Worth, TX 76155.  Applications and information may also be obtained by calling toll-free 1-800-659-2955 or 1-800-877-8339 for the speech and hearing impaired.  The filing deadline to return applications for property damage is April 24, 2007.  The deadline to return Economic Injury Disaster Loan applications is Nov. 23, 2007.

The federal/state Disaster Recovery Centers in Orleans Parish located at Mt. Tabor Baptist Church, 4128 Franklin Ave. and St. Matthew United Church of Christ, 1333 Carrollton Ave will close March 31 at 1 p.m.

Feb 13, 2007 : Governor Blanco declares State of Emergency:

Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco has issued Proclamation No. 14 KBB 2007-declaring a State of Emergency for St. Martin, Orleans and Jefferson Parishes.  Click here to view complete text of the proclamation.

Resources:  (back to top)

American Red Cross: The Red Cross has set up an emergency command center at the Teche Baptist Church between Breaux Bridge and Henderson. The Red Cross is focusing on cleanup, repair and long-term recovery. (337) 234-7371.

Salvation Army : Assisting with immediate needs: food, clothing, furniture (when available), (337) 235-2407.

Rebuilding Together: Assisting with building materials, (337) 291-9910.

Acadiana Outreach: Case Management, (337) 237-7618.

Office of Mental Health: Crisis counseling or stress management at their offices or at the client's home; St. Martin & Lafayette Parishes: Dr. Joseph Tyler Mental Health    (337) 262-4100; Iberia Parish: Iberia Mental Health at (337) 373-0002.

Volunteers of America: Case Management and Counseling Services,

(337) 269-4026

Office of Homeland Security (St. Martin Parish Sheriff):  Need volunteers to organize and distribute donated items.  Impacted individuals please contact the office so they will know what your needs are (337) 394-3071.

Want to Help? (back to top)

Have clothing, food or hygiene items to donate? Want to give money instead? Feel driven to volunteer? Have knowledge of available housing? The following agencies would like to hear from you:

·  232-HELP/211, (232-4357 or 2-1-1)

·  American Red Cross Acadiana Chapter, 234-7371

·  Teche Baptist Church, 507-3301

·  First Baptist Church, Parks, 873-8391, 332-1746

When a tornado is coming, you have only a short amount of time to make life-or-death decisions. Occasionally, tornadoes develop so rapidly that advance warning is not possible. Advance planning and quick response are the keys to surviving a tornado.

Have disaster supplies on hand:

• Flashlight and extra batteries, sturdy shoes, cash and credit cards

• Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries

• First aid kit and manual, essential medicines

• Emergency food and water, non-electric can opener

WHAT TO LISTEN FOR:  (back to top)

A tornado watch is issued by the National Weather Service when tornadoes are possible in your area. Remain alert for approaching storms. This is the ideal time to remind family members where the safest places within your home are located, and listen to the radio or television for further developments.

A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Seek shelter immediately.

Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes and should be abandoned. Mobile homes are particularly vulnerable. A mobile home can overturn very easily even if precautions have been taken to tie down the unit. Residents of mobile homes must plan in advance and identify safe shelter in a nearby building.

When a tornado warning is issued, take shelter in a building with a strong foundation, move to an interior room such as a bathroom or hallway on the lowest floor and get under a sturdy piece of furniture. Stay away from windows. If shelter is not available, lie in a ditch or low-lying area a safe distance away from the unit.

WHO’S MOST AT RISK? (back to top)

      People in automobiles.

·         The elderly, very young and the physically or mentally impaired.

·         People in mobile homes.

·         People who may not understand the warning due to a language barrier.

Remain alert for signs of an approaching tornado. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most deaths and injuries.