A Message from Sen. Bodi White

Press Release from Sen. Bodi White
Friends,
    Baton Rouge has faced yet another tragedy. Just weeks after losing 3 police heroes, floodwaters rushed through south Louisiana killing 15 people and damaging over 40,000 homes.
    Despite everything that has happened to the Baton Rouge community, residents remain optimistic. We are determined to work together to help those in need. We are committed to rebuilding our community, making it better than it was before. East Baton Rouge Parish is resilient and I am proud to call it home.
    While recent events can be overwhelming, I have compiled some information that I believe can be of assistance over the coming days and weeks:
    Those who want to help:  You can volunteer by: registering at: volunteerlouisiana.gov
    You can donate here:  Text "LAFLOODS" to 90999. $10 will be charged to your phone bill for the following month.  Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/cm/wafb-pub. You can also donate to the Red Cross at any local Albertson's location. Albertson's will match up to $300,000. APEL: http://www.apeleducators.org/page/DisasterRelief; Donations will benefit teachers who lost classroom materials. Teachers can also apply for financial assistance here. BRAF: https://www.classy.org/charity/baton-rouge-area-foundation/c31440. Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com/disaster/louisianaflooding; You can offer free temporary housing to those who are displaced.
    Those who need help:  Photograph all damage to your home.  Make sure there is a time stamp on the photograph. A helpful phone application is Timestamp Camera Free. If you have flood insurance you should first contact your insurance agent. If you have further questions about your policy, you can contact FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 Monday through Friday 8am to 6pm and select Option 2. If you do not have flood insurance you can register for FEMA assistance at disasterassistance.gov or by calling1-800-621-3362. Call centers are open seven days a week from 6am to 10pm. For more FEMA information visit: https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4263. Those needing Disaster Supplemental Assistance Program (DSNAP), formerly disaster food stamps, can preregister at: www.dcfs.louisiana.gov/preregister. You can apply for disaster unemployment assistance at: 1-866-783-5567. The deadline to do so is September 15.
    For those needing temporary housing:
https://www.airbnb.com/disaster/louisianaflooding – Airbnb is waving service fees for those impacted by flooding.  www.lahousingsearch.org
www.MLSbox.com
    You may qualify for tax relief from the IRS, visit: https://www.irs.gov/uac/tax-relief-for-victims-of-severe-storms-flooding-in-louisiana#.V7KQS8nSYAs
    To report consumer fraud, call the Attorney General's hotline at: 1-800-351-4889.
    Please share this information with your friends and family who may find it helpful.  God Bless Baton Rouge!
Bodi White