New digital resource for 2016 Louisiana flood goes live

Louisiana Flood Recovery launched today. The site collates resources for Louisianians who suffered from the record rainfall and subsequent floodwaters this month, as well as those who want to help them. It’s the result of quick and nimble thinking from web developer Eli Silverman of Caliper.

“As I became aware of how devastating the flooding was early last week, I was moved to act but didn’t know the right way to impact the situation in a positive way,” Eli says. “I’ve heard that money is often the best way to contribute  – that driving out there and/or donating goods can lead to more overhead for the organizations on the ground. But I didn’t even know who to give to aside from the Red Cross.

“In addition to that, there was an incredible amount of noise and redundant/vague information being passed around on the web, so I thought the best impact I could have would be to try to use my design and coding skills to organize that information for both volunteers and those looking for relief. I simple wrote a post on Facebook about my intentions to get started, and before I knew it I was leading a small, incredibly dedicated and wonderful team who helped me research, plan, design, and code the thing into life this morning.”

Louisiana Flood Recovery is an open-source directory designed for both victims and volunteers. Flood survivors can search and find flood relief and recovery organizations, while volunteers can search and find opportunities to help. The site doesn’t offer services, but merely pulls together what’s available in one place.
And if readers know about resources not listed, they are invited to add them with an easy online submission tool, making the site an online gathering spot for anyone looking for flood information.

Here in Louisiana, we tend to pull together as a community in the face of disaster. But lack of coordination and communication can lessen the impact of that response. Cyberspace is a community, too, and with it Louisiana Flood Recovery and its digital creators hope to broaden the reach and get even more done.

For more information go to lafloodrecovery.org.