October 3, 1005

Dear Friends,

Thank you for your constant support.  The recent destruction caused by Hurricane Rita has not only compounded the needs of those affected by Katrina, but has crippled the rest of southern Louisiana.

On Monday, September 26th, two LEAN staffers traveled to Jean Lafitte and Grand Isle to assess the damage and the needs created by Rita.  The scene in Jean Lafitte was a stark contrast to LEAN’s visit last week.  Since our last trip, there has been extensive flooding and additional wind damage.  Rita has also rendered the road south of Jean Lafitteimpassable due to standing water.  The LEAN staffers met with Mayor Kerner and local police officials to determine what supplies were most needed and when we could first deliver them.

After going to Jean Lafitte, we assessed the damage to southern Lafourche Parish and Grand Isle.  We observed destruction of houses and trailers in the coastal communities.  The bridge connecting to Grand Isle was out, but a local official advised that the island’s main church would soon serve as the area’s aid distribution center. 

Additionally, LEAN staffers made a trip on Tuesday, September 27th to Abbeville in Vermilion Parish.  There we delivered food and supplies to a group of local cowboys who had been rescuing cattle and horses in the flooded regions.  We also arranged for hay for the rescued animals, many of which are integral to the community's livelihood.  We delivered additional food and water to a police official who distributed it to displaced elderly.

On Wednesday, September 28th, LEAN staffers made a trip back to Jean Lafitte to deliver baby food, diapers, cleaning supplies, dust masks, canned vegetables and fruit, tuna fish and other canned meats, snack foods, and hygiene products.

These supplies were delivered to the Jean Lafitte mayor’s office, where displaced citizens are welcome to goods.  Mayor Kerner has been the mayor for fourteen years.  He is at the service of 8,000 families, which 50% of are currently without electricity.  The mayor asked for more cleaning supplies, and LEAN promised them.

On Friday September 30th the LEAN team brought a 6 x 12 foot trailer and large truck full of Clorox, vinegar, mops, sponges, buckets, and other cleaning materials to the Mayor’s office for distribution.

Thanks to your generous contributions, LEAN will continue to make trips to the areas hardest hit by the hurricanes.

Warm Regards,

Marylee Orr
Executive Director
Louisiana Environmental Action Network (LEAN)