Hurricane Isaac

September 18, 2012

In 2010, Friends of the Fishermen Foundation was created to support Louisiana fishermen after five (5) disasters impacted coastal Louisiana and the fishing community.

In 2012, coastal Louisiana is impacted by Hurricane Isaac.  Perceived to be a minimal storm, Isaac has surprised many communities, causing major flooding, major power outages, stirring tar balls ashore and closing some coastal areas again to fishing.

While there is uncertainty whether any Federal resources will be directed to the fishing industry, fishermen impacted by the storm have already started their clean up and are ready to begin anew. The Friends of the Fishermen Foundation (FOF) wants to provide assistance to those impacted by Hurricane Isaac.  FOF is partnering with South Central Planning and Development Commission to provide language support services to Spanish and Vietnamese fishermen in need of help completing forms and/or documents for FEMA, SBA and other Federal programs currently available.

For those who may need to borrow money to repair or replace boats or equipment lost or damaged by Hurricane Isaac, Friends of the Fishermen Foundation will cover up to $250 in fees associated with the lending process. Fishermen will need to contact South Central Planning and Development Commission for more information on this initiative.  Fishermen will need to provide documentation evidencing the loss/damage and specifics on the fees associated with an approved loan.

South Central Planning does have low interest 4% loan monies available for lending.  The $250 Friends of the Fishermen Foundation offer is good to cover application or origination fees at any bank, finance company or lending institution.

For more information call Cullen, Cindy, Lily or Jimmy at South Central Planning and Development Commission at 985-655-1051 or 1-800-630-3791