IABBB created this GoFundMe page as a way for BBB team members all across the United States and Canada to come together in support of our colleagues located in Lake Charles who are suffering from the devastation left from Hurricane Laura last week.    

Hurricane Laura wiped out much of Lake Charles, Louisiana with sustained winds reaching over 150 mph.  This Category 4 hurricane was the strongest hurricane to hit this area in 150 years.    With a population of 125,000, over 85% of homes and businesses in Lake Charles have sustained damage.  40% of those homes are a total loss.  Their community is in great need right now.   It is estimated that it will take 3-4 weeks to restore power (and water in some parts) to this community.   Of course there is a massive clean up effort to be undertaken, and then they will begin the herculean task of rebuilding.  

This fundraiser will help our BBB colleagues, Liz, Britney, and Angela, as they navigate the long road to rebuild their homes.  Two of their homes experienced major damage and they are living with family or friends who have offered to help them out.   FEMA does not provide assistance if you have homeowners' insurance.  However, it can take days or even weeks for the insurance adjusters to make it to your home to begin the insurance claim.    This can be a major challenge just to cover living expenses until the insurance company begins distributing funds.  

If you would like to help our BBB family directly with their expenses to help see them through this difficult time, we invite you to give to this campaign.  Many BBBs will be collecting on their behalf & sending it to IABBB who will send 100% of funds donated to BBB of Southern Louisiana, but if you prefer to give individually, we wanted to provide a GoFundMe option as well.  All proceeds from this campaign will be going to them directly to cover out of pocket expenses. 

Thank you in advance for your generosity!  We are so grateful to be a part of BBB along side of you!