This past week, heavy rains and extreme floods have devastated southern Louisiana resulting in more than a dozen fatalities and thousands displaced from their homes — many unaware of whether those home are still standing. As the rising water begins to wane, ESA members are looking for ways to help victims of this flood.
 
Quality Support Coordination Inc., a local agency that works to provide social services to persons with developmental disabilities and the elderly, has been in service of more than 4,000 families and is looking for additional assistance in this time or natural disaster.
 
As of August 23, the agency has more than 50 families that have lost everything due to the flood event of August 2016. These families all receive Medicaid and have limited resources, with most living off Social Security due to varying levels of disability. Quality Support Coordination Inc. is asking for assistance to help these families. Times like these affect people with developmental disabilities and the elderly in very different ways than it does people without these special needs. 
 
ESA is asking you to contact anyone you know, any businesses, schools or organizations that can help these families. Below is a list of our greatest needs:
  • gift cards to any grocery store — Walmart, etc.;
  • food or bottled water, ice chests;
  • bath towels, blankets, sheets, pillows, pillow cases;
  • toiletries: soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hair brushes, razors for men and women, shaving cream, deodorant etc.;
  • cleaning supplies: bleach, brooms, paper towels, mops, razor cutters for sheet rock;
  • fans to help dry out homes;
  • clothes for men and women: m, l, and xl; socks, undergarments; and
  • medical equipment (in working order): wheelchairs, hospital beds, shower chairs, etc.