Still plenty of help available

Published 12:00 am Saturday, January 5, 2013

The holidays are an exciting and busy time for most, and many look forward to the return to normalcy January brings.
In this region, of course, a return to normalcy involves preparing for Mardi Gras, with the season technically beginning this evening.
But for many in the River Parishes there is no such thing as a return to normalcy as any sense of it was washed away by Isaac’s floodwaters months ago. For those still struggling to get back to their homes and still struggling with the financial burdens associated with the recovery process, the coming of the new year may not be such a joyous occasion. The holiday season brought not only a much-needed distraction from daily struggles and perhaps the opportunity to see family and friends not seen in some time. It also saw an unprecedented numbers of events such as toy giveaways to help those affected by the hurricane.
But the cold winds of January can seem even colder to someone without a warm, familiar bed to sleep in, and the sad truth is for many a return to normalcy means throwing oneself back into the job and the rigors of daily life, with little time to think about the less fortunate.
What is fortunate, however, is those who need it can still seek help to lighten the load imparted by Isaac.
St. John the Baptist Parish has set up a long-term recovery group that both collects money and materials needed for recovery. The website can be found at www.stjohnrecovery. com. Additionally, the parish has a volunteer center located at 1933 W. Airline Highway in LaPlace. It can be contacted at 985-359-0254. St. James Parish also recently announced the availability of funds for parish residents affected by Isaac.
Additionally, the local Emergency Food and Shelter Program recently received a federal donation, and there are other groups that offer help with things like paying utility bills. Help is out there if you are willing to do a little research.
So, like Isaac, this storm is a long and unpleasant one, but one the community can weather if it stands together.