New Orleans, LA – Today, the Greater New Orleans Foundation (Foundation) announced it has awarded over $84,000 in grants to 53 individuals affected by the St. Bernard Parish tornados. Impacted families that have not yet applied are reminded that assistance is still available. The Foundation, in partnership with the St. Bernard Parish government, launched the St. Bernard Tornado Assistance Program to support St. Bernard residents who received damage to their homes from the EF-1 and EF-3 tornados that touched down on March 22, 2022.
Additional donations to the fund can be made to the St. Bernard Tornado Relief Fund here.
Eligible applicants must be residents of St. Bernard Parish whose home was damaged by the March 22, 2022 tornados. All applications will be confirmed by referencing the assessment conducted by the State Fire Marshal’s Office. Final award amounts will be determined based on the available funds.
To apply for a grant, residents can visit: https://www.gnof.org/program/st-bernard-tornado-relief-fund/. The application period will close on Thursday September 15, 2022. Applications will be reviewed once the application period closes.
Applicants must submit:
- Proof of residency
- Description of losses as a result of the tornados
“As a region and as a Foundation, we are not strangers to disasters, nor are we new to responding to them,” said Andy Kopplin, President and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Foundation. “We are excited to extend the application process so that all eligible families can receive additional resources to help them recover from the damage done by the tornados. It is a testament to the generosity of the people of our region that we can provide these residents with resources that can make it just a little easier for them to get back on their feet.
This effort was launched in partnership with the St. Bernard Parish government, particularly Parish President Guy McInnis and Councilmember Gillis McCloskey, and would not be possible without the generous support from Ronnie Lamarque, Ronnie Lamarque, Jr., Louie Roussel, Greater New Orleans Foundation trustee Mrs. Gayle Benson, Valero Energy Foundation, American Sugar Refining, Inc., and Associated Terminals.
“As St. Bernard Parish continues to deal with the aftermath of the tornado, this fund has been a source of hope during a tough time for our community” said St. Bernard Parish President Guy McInnis. “The Greater New Orleans Foundation’s support has been critical to our relief efforts. Their support immediately following the disaster allowed residents to start their journey to recovery. And I am thankful for the Foundation’s continued support as we continue to rebuild our community. The Foundation’s disaster response and recovery team continues to be a shining example of community and our region is stronger for it.”
“Our residents have been through insurmountable challenges, and for many, the recovery effort is far from over,” said Gillis McCloskey, St. Bernard Council Member, District A. “We know the road to recovery can be long and arduous. We are extremely grateful to: Ronnie Lamarque Sr. and Jr., Louie Roussel, The New Orleans Saints, Valero Refining, Domino Sugar, Associated Terminals, and various others for making this grant available to our residents in partnership with the Greater New Orleans Foundation. God Bless.”
In the days immediately following the tornadoes, the Greater New Orleans Foundation made $50,000 in immediate grants to local nonprofits leading disaster response. The grants were made to the St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation, Community Center of St. Bernard, Sankofa Community Development Corporation, Second Harvest, and VIA Link 211.