Please note that the fund has closed.
We selected 200 applications out of 800+ from across coastal Louisiana. We contributed $90,000 from our Hurricane Ida Relief Fund and $10,000 from NNPHI and LPHI — for a total of $100,000 distributed directly to Public Health Workers impacted by Hurricane Ida.
Read the FINAL REPORT here.
We are offering $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 will prioritize LGBTQ and BIPOC individuals for this fund.
Who qualifies as a Public Health Worker?
We take an expansive view of public health and encourage applications from individuals working in a variety of ways to improve the physical, psychological, and social well-being of our communities.
We encourage 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 will applicants be notified?
We will notify you via email after we have reviewed all applications, regardless of whether you were approved for funding. Emails will be sent out on the week of February 21st.
How will the funds be sent?
If your application is accepted, we will contact you regarding your preferred method of payment: Venmo, CashApp, PayPal, or physical check.
Why are you prioritizing 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 are addressing these inequities by allocating funds to BIPOC and LGBTQ individuals first.
How can I support this fund?
We expect to receive more applications than what we have funding for at this time. To donate, use our donation link here and specify that your donation is for the Public Health Workers Fund. If you are a philanthropic organization and would like to partner with us to help support this program, please email klie@imaginewaterworks.org.
Use the form below to apply by February 11th.
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: