To Friends and Colleagues,
We are reaching out in the interest of keeping you up to date with what is known about the recent flooding events around our state.
First, we want to summarize some of the key statistics and early analyses being reported from various state and local agencies and non-profits involved in recovery. (Again, these may be subject to change, as more information is being collected every day on this vast destruction.)
* 6.9 trillion gallons of rain fell over an 8 day period (enough to fill 10.4 million Olympic swimming pools. 3 times as much rain as Louisiana got during Katrina)
* More than 128,000 households have applied for FEMA assistance
* More than 350,000 residents of the Baton Rouge MSA (9 of 20 parishes with disaster declaration) live in areas that never experienced flooding. More than 20 parishes have been declared disaster areas
In response to this unprecedented catastrophe, AIA Louisiana has jumped into high gear and is working on a number of fronts with the intention of aligning short-term resources with long-term planning and rebuilding objectives.
Due to the numerous requests from around the country as to how the profession can help, AIA Louisiana, with help from AIA National, has set up a fund to help affected AIA members, firms and staff with financial assistance for immediate response efforts and to fulfill unmet needs.
The fund is set up through the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, but, will assist members from throughout the state. Donate Now to the Fund.
This is a special cause if you are looking for a way to help architects and firms get back on their feet.
Thank you for your prayers and support.
Lynn Robertson Kathleen Gordon
Executive Director, AIA Louisiana Executive Director, AIA Baton Rouge