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Entergy Helps Agencies and Communities Rise Above the Flood
08/29/2016
When the floodwaters rose quickly with little time to act, many Baton Rouge homes and businesses were literally wiped out.
At the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, approximately four feet of water swept through the warehouse, ruining a million pounds of food and all of the equipment needed to load, store and refrigerate the food.
“It was such a major impact. We lost everything. We lost our rolling equipment. We lost our forklifts and our packaging operation. We lost all of the offices, all of the computers, office furniture, said Mike Manning, president and CEO of the food bank. “It’s going to be very expensive, but we’re operating. We’re making sure the people in the greater Baton Rouge area including the surrounding parishes are getting fed and making sure they have food.”
On Friday, Entergy Louisiana went to the State Capitol and presented $100,000 to the agency. Joining them was Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards, several legislators and Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden.
Holden said no matter who is in need, the city has come together to help.
“We pull together and make things happen, Holden said. “Just like what Entergy is doing here today. They didn’t look for names. They were looking for a cause that’s worthy for the company to step up and say, ‘We’re here to help.’”
To clean the food bank’s facility and get it ready to meet food safety standards is expected to cost $1.5 million and take several more weeks. They continue supplying food, thanks to donations from all across the country and the use of a nearby facility
Meanwhile across town, the Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross launched a massive relief operation, housing and feeding thousands of people whose homes were demolished.
Last week, Entergy also gave the Red Cross $100,000 to help with the disaster relief. The Red Cross Louisiana flood response is anticipated to cost at least $30 million – and this number may grow as more is learned about the scope and magnitude of the devastation.
Phillip May, president and CEO of Entergy Louisiana, said Entergy wants to do what it can to help the entire area recover from this catastrophe.
Besides agency donations, Entergy has launched several initiatives to help people clean up their homes, get the supplies they need and help them replace everyday items that have been lost.
“Louisiana is known for the resiliency of its people. No doubt, the flooding that occurred recently has challenged us all,” May said. “Entergy is coming together with these agencies who do so much good for so many. Together we can help restore the lives of our customers and reenergize the communities we serve.”
