The Coast Guard Foundation announced activation of its disaster relief grant program to assist Coast Guard members impacted by the devastation of Hurricane Laura.
Hurricane Laura caused widespread devastation and upwards of $12 billion in damages after making landfall. In its aftermath, over 3,000 coasties were deployed to support relief efforts for Louisiana and Texas — including 32 aircraft crews and 40 different boat crews. Many were deployed to save lives while their own homes were destroyed and their families were evacuated elsewhere. In particular, the Coast Guard Foundation cites Coast Guard families in the Port Arthur, Texas and Lake Charles, Louisiana areas suffering significant losses.
“The destruction to this region that this powerful storm has left behind is unimaginable,” Susan Ludwig, President of the Coast Guard Foundation, stated in a press release. “In these challenging times the brave men and women of the Coast Guard have suffered incredible losses to their homes and personal property. We are here to support their families and community so that they can focus on their vital mission.”
To learn more about the Coast Guard Foundation, or to help support its work, please visit www.coastguardfoundation.org or call (860) 535-0786.
Coast Guard families affected by Hurricane Laura are now eligible for a $3,000 grant to help with immediate needs. This grant will cover items like temporary housing, replacement of household goods and fixing up their homes. Grant eligibility is also extended to coastie families affected by the fires of California.
In recent years, the Coast Guard Foundation has given roughly $2 million in support for disaster relief assistance. Its support has extended to other hurricane relief as well as the current wildfires raging in California.
The Chief Petty Officers Association is partnering with the foundation to support efforts. After a family has applied for assistance, they will receive a response from a CPOA representative within five days of sending their application in, according to the Coast Guard Foundation website.
Coast Guard families interested in applying for the disaster relief grant program can click here.
