Donations, business resources available to tornado victims

Published 12:02 am Wednesday, March 2, 2016

LAPLACE — St. John the Baptist Parish Government officials are asking owners or managers of businesses who sustained physical or economic loss due to Feb. 23’s tornado to complete an Emergency Response Survey.

The information will assist St. John Parish, state and federal officials in determining what additional resources are needed to help each case’s full recovery, Parish officials said.

Those who take the survey may receive a phone call or visit from a representative requesting additional responses.

Those interested can complete the survey online at sjbparish.com/tornado.php.

SNAP

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households impacted by Feb. 23’s storms may be eligible to receive replacement benefits.

Households that were without power for more than 24 hours and lost food as a result should visit their DCFS Economic Stability office at 429 W. Airline Hwy in LaPlace to complete an affidavit.

The last day to complete this form is Friday.

Resource Center

The St. John the Baptist Parish Business Resource Center is continuing to operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday at the River Region Chamber of Commerce, 390 Belle Terre Blvd. in LaPlace.

As of Monday morning, representatives from the Louisiana Small Business Development Center, Louisiana Federal Credit Union and Louisiana Workforce Commission were assisting those impacted by the storm in obtaining business continuity planning, business loans, unemployment insurance, home retention services and personal emergency loans.

Louisiana Workforce Development Board Director Tommy Scott said they are assisting individuals seeking employment, whether it is disaster-related jobs or full-term employment.

“We’re extending our services to the community to those impacted to see to it that they can definitely take advantage of those jobs that will assist in the recovery of the area and also aid them if they have been previously searching for sufficient employment opportunities, as well,” he said.

Call 985-359-9777 for more information.

Donations

Supplies can be dropped off from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Friday at St. John Community Center, 2900 U.S. 51 in LaPlace.

Organizers are asking for cleaning supplies, batteries, flashlights, rakes and yard equipment.

Blessed to be a Blessing International Ministries is collecting school supplies, backpacks and uniforms for students impacted by the tornados. They can be donated from 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at 2015 W. Airline Highway in LaPlace.

Call at 985-359-9954 for more information.

A clothing drop off center has been established by Evangelist Donna M. Perrilloux from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday at 130 W. 7th St. in Reserve. Call 985-210-4176.

Organizers are accepting non-perishable items, cleaning supplies, clothing (all sizes and genders), shoes, baby items, bedding, kitchen, toys, school supplies, coats and more.

St. John Parish officials said monetary donations are accepted through St. John United Way at stjohnunitedway.org.

Water Service

St. John Parish Residents impacted by tornado damage who would like their water service disconnected temporarily or permanently at no charge can do so by calling 985-652-3131.