In September, 2020, Hurricane Laura, the fifth strongest hurricane to hit the continental U.S., recently struck Louisiana, causing widespread devastation. Thousands of families were left homeless, and the region’s power grids were severely damaged. Public housing residents were particularly affected, as many are unable to relocate due to financial constraints. UNITED SIKHS, in collaboration with FEMA and the Red Cross, initiated a relief effort to support the affected communities.
UNITED SIKHS needed to respond swiftly to provide essential relief, assess the needs of the impacted local communities, and assist in restoring normalcy. The team also aimed to clear debris and ensure the safety of the local Gurdwara, which would serve as a hub for relief services.
UNITED SIKHS emergency response team promptly started working on the ground and assessed the damage and gathered critical information to provide adequate relief supports those who are affected. In partnership with Gurdwara Shri Dashmesh Darbar Sahib, volunteers cleared thousands of pounds of debris to create a safe environment. The Gurdwara also offered its support to establish feeding and advocacy services for those in need.
Immediate action by UNITED SIKHS helped clear debris, enabling the Gurdwara to become a critical center for relief services. With power restoration still weeks away, the team is now calling for volunteers and donations to continue their mission in southern Louisiana. They are actively seeking hygiene goods, cleaning supplies, and emergency relief materials to support the affected communities in their recovery.