From a press release
As New Orleans observed the 12th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, the hearts and minds of many New Orleanians and the rest of the nation have turned to Hurricane Harvey and its devastating impact on Houston and parts of southwest Louisiana.
“(Tuesday, Aug. 29) marks the 12th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, a flood that changed the lives of every New Orleanian forever,” said Mayor Mitch Landrieu. “We lost 1,800 fellow Americans, and the devastation we experienced was great. But in the wake of that tragedy, we witnessed unbelievable acts of heroism and compassion from across this great country and the world. No city welcomed more New Orleanians following Katrina than Houston, and our hearts break for them as Hurricane Harvey displaces so many of their citizens. As they and others around the world were our refuge in a time of trouble, we will observe this somber anniversary by praying for our fellow Americans who are in need, and we will do all we can to help them stand back up. Over the past 12 years, we have fought every day to rebuild New Orleans not as she was, but better and stronger than before. Today, we are a resilient city with greater resolve, but we remain vigilant in the face of another threatening storm. While this is a somber day for New Orleanians, the determination and spirit of our people gives us great hope for the future.”
One day earlier (Aug. 28), Mayor Landrieu reactivated the NOLA Pay It Forward Fund in partnership with the Greater New Orleans Foundation for New Orleanians to contribute to recovery efforts following the major flooding that occurred in Texas and Southwest Louisiana due to Hurricane Harvey.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with those in Texas and Southwest Louisiana affected by Hurricane Harvey,” said Mayor Landrieu. “The people of New Orleans know what it’s like to suffer through a disaster. We remember all of those who helped us when we needed it most, and through this fund, we hope to pay it forward to other communities in need.”
NOLA Pay it Forward Fund launched in May 2011 to contribute to recovery efforts following the Mississippi River flooding disaster. It was also activated in 2012 in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy to support recovery efforts in the northeast, in May 2013 following catastrophic tornadoes in Oklahoma. Most recently, in August 2016, the NOLA Pay it Forward Fund raised $250,000 following the major flooding in Baton Rouge. The fund is housed with the Greater New Orleans Foundation.
Those interested in donating to the fund can go online to www.gnof.org/nolapayitforward/
