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Disaster Response
Standing up to face climate disasters together, Common Ground Relief mobilizes volunteers and resources to protect Southeast Louisiana and support community recovery.
Born in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the Disaster Response program mobilizes volunteers to assist communities in times of need. From clearing debris to distributing microgrants, the program addresses immediate challenges while providing long-term resilience-building support. Whether facing floods, hurricanes, or tornadoes, this program steps up to meet disaster head-on.
Impact
In 2023, the program responded to local crises, such as the Arabi tornado, by clearing roads and homes, distributing supplies, and offering financial relief. With a reliable team of volunteers, the program provided essential services to over 100 affected households.
Foundations
The origin and the core mission of CGR is rooted in disaster response, in the days, weeks, and months turned decades following Hurricane Katrina. CGR remains dedicated to meeting the needs of residents of Southeast Louisiana in times of disaster. CGR can house and mobilize volunteers in organized relief efforts. These volunteers may clear debris from blocked roads, muck & gut flooded homes, distributed donated resources such as water and tarps, and CGR also distributed micro grants and unrestricted funds to families. The most recent example of this was during the 2022 Arabi tornado events that destroyed homes.
Partners
Southeast Louisiana is frequently impacted by a variety of natural disasters including hurricanes, flooding, and tornadoes. We mobilize volunteers and distribute needed resources to impacted Southeast Louisiana communities during times of acute need, coordinating with NOLA Ready and other Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster. Long-term, our efforts in habitat and environmental restoration bolster much-needed storm protection and carbon sequestration, playing a role to mitigate the harm of future disasters. Please check out our social media or reach out to us for up-to-date information about our disaster relief activities.
Purpose
The Disaster Response program embodies the spirit of resilience and community, standing ready to support Southeast Louisiana in the face of climate disasters. Rooted in the principle that everyone has a role in protecting our home, this program brings people together to provide direct aid, clean-up efforts, and recovery support, making climate action accessible and empowering for all. With a track record of consistent and reliable service, the program offers hope and strength in moments of crisis, proving that collaboration and stewardship can withstand the greatest challenges.