Please note that the fund has closed.
We selected 200 applications out of 800+ from across coastal Louisiana for a total of $100,000 distributed directly to Public Health Workers impacted by Hurricane Ida.
Read our Final Report below to see who we funded, where they were located when the storm hit, what kind of Public Health jobs were represented, and more.
We offered $500 micro-grants for public health workers who were impacted by Hurricane Ida.
In acknowledgement of the fact that those who are most often pushed to the margins are also most impacted by natural disasters, we prioritized LGBTQ and BIPOC individuals for this fund.
Who qualified as a Public Health Worker?
We take an expansive view of public health and encouraged applications from individuals working in a variety of ways to improve the physical, psychological, and social well-being of our communities.
We encouraged applications from Bodyworkers, Community Health Workers, COVID-19 Testers, Disaster Responders, Doulas & Birthworkers, Emergency Medical Responders & Technicians, Environmental Health Workers, Epidemiologists, Health Educators, Home Health & Personal Care Aides, Hospice Workers, Herbalists & Healers, Mental Health Care Providers, Nursing Home Attendants, Patient Advocates, and Social Workers.
How were applicants notified?
We notified applicants via email after we reviewed all applications, regardless of whether they were approved for funding. Emails were sent out on the week of February 21st. For those who did not respond via email, we conducted direct outreach by phone.
How were the funds sent?
We asked individuals for their preferred method of payment: Venmo, CashApp, PayPal, or physical check.
Why did you prioritize BIPOC and LGBTQ people?
Though hurricanes impact all of us, we know that storms hurt communities of color the most. And while the climate crisis a serious health threat for people from all walks of life, it is a major health concern for communities who already face societal inequities and systemic oppression. For the LGBTQ community, social stigma, higher unemployment, and inadequate safe living spaces also makes them more vulnerable to environmental catastrophes. Because we do not have funding to meet the needs of every public health worker across coastal Louisiana, we addressed these inequities by allocating funds to BIPOC and LGBTQ individuals first.
How can I support this fund?
Though the fund is closed at this time, we continue to work year-round on the full cycle of disasters, including prep, relief, recovery, and mitigation. Donating to our work today will enable us to respond quickly to the next storm. If you are a business or philanthropic organization and would like to partner with us to help support a similar program, please email klie@imaginewaterworks.org.
This program was made possible by the National Network of Public Health Institutes (NNPHI) and the Louisiana Public Health Institute (LPHI) to assist the public health workforce in Southeast Louisiana impacted by Hurricane Ida.
Did you know we’ve been supporting folks through storm season since 2012?
We have actively resourced our communities in coastal Louisiana through concurrent disasters for nearly a decade. Recently, we’ve worked to address the overlaps of COVID-19, social injustice, and multiple historical hurricane seasons. Since you may just be finding us for the first time, check out these additional resources: