How to REALLY Help New Orleans Rebuild

New Orleans is one of the world’s most interesting cities, a place that refuses to give up its character and join the homogeonized rush to the middle. So it is especially sad to see the devastation that has hit there from the hurricane and flooding.

It’s sadder still to see the downright pitiful response the U.S. Federal Government mounted in the first few days. (Do you think maybe Louisiana and Mississippi are finally having second thoughts about voting for Bush in the last election?)

Now there’s martial law on the streets, the supply caravans are moving in, and everyone is finally getting medical care. People in other states have opened up both their homes and their wallets–donations are pouring in at a record pace.

As when the tsunami hit, it’s easy to see the “billions of dollars” headlines and think your own contribution will just be another drop in the bucket. If you’re sending it to the Red Cross, probably so. But there are hundreds of niche organizations doing great work on the ground, with very little going to overhead. If you’re stuck on where to give, CharityNavigator is the best place to do some research. They rate charities on how efficient and transparent they are in their operations.

But if you want to help out in a real, ongoing way, then support New Orleans at the cash register. I’ve bought gift packages from Chef Prudhomme’s Magic Seasonings, so I’m on their e-mail list. The other day I got a note that their warehouse was unharmed and they will soon be shipping product again. The employees did not make out so well. The e-mail said, “For a majority of our employees, beyond their health and families, their job is all they have left. ”

So help people in a concrete way. Buy Magic Seasonings on line or at your local supermarket. Here are some other Louisiana companies that make things you can throw in your shopping cart:

Abita Beer
Tabasco Sauce
Zatarains
Bruce Foods
Elmer’s Candies
LouAna cooking oil
Leah’s Pralines

Once New Orleans gets back on its feet, go visit. The tourist areas and the garden district weren’t hit all that hard. Jazzfest will surely be up and running next April/May. Help people rebuild their lives by helping to provide an income.