United Cajun Navy Arrives in Indiana, Calls for Volunteers

In the wake of devastating flooding across Indiana following a rare derecho, some familiar disaster-response helpers have arrived in the Hoosier State.

A grassroots nonprofit based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and known as the United Cajun Navy, says its volunteers are already on the ground in Indiana, and the organization is now putting out a major call for additional volunteers to help communities recover.

And you don't need to arrive with a truckload of equipment or a big donation to help.

You just need to be willing to show up.

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United Cajun Navy Responding to Indiana Flooding

Severe weather and catastrophic flooding have impacted communities across Indiana in recent days, leaving homes, roads, and infrastructure damaged and residents facing what could be a long cleanup and recovery process.

Now, the United Cajun Navy is mobilizing additional resources to help.

The volunteer disaster relief organization says some of its team members are already in Indiana, with Incident Commander Joch Gill expected to be on the ground Tuesday, August 18.

In the video (below) shared by the organization, Gill said the flooding was severe, and additional volunteers and equipment are needed.

"The flood is bad, guys, and they're anticipating more severe weather," Gill said. If you've got equipment, you've got volunteers, you want to volunteer, you want to spend time helping us out... We need some help up here."

Read More: Indiana Was Hit By a Derecho, But What Does That Mean?

You Don't Need Equipment to Volunteer

This is important: You don't need your own heavy equipment or have money to donate to be useful.

The United Cajun Navy says it's building volunteer teams to move into affected communities and assist with cleanup as conditions allow.

People who can shovel, haul debris, drive a trailer, distribute water, or simply provide another set of willing hands are encouraged to volunteer.

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"We don't ask what you can spend. We ask if you can show up," Gill said in the organization's volunteer call. "Two hands and a willing heart have cleaned out more homes than any checkbook ever has."

Of course, if you do have equipment that could be useful during flood cleanup, the organization wants to hear from you, too.

Read More: Indiana Officials Warn Hoosiers Against Scammers in Wake of Floods

How to Volunteer With the United Cajun Navy in Indiana

The United Cajun Navy says texting is the preferred way to sign up because phones can ring constantly during an active disaster response.

Prospective volunteers should text Maleiah Thompson at (765) 407-0914.

Include:

• Your name
• Your county
• What days you're available
• Whether you're bringing equipment, and if so, what kind

Organizers say texting rather than calling makes it easier to get volunteers onto the list without their information getting lost during the response.

Read More: Indiana Under a State of Emergency After Flooding

Indiana's Recovery Is Just Beginning

Floodwaters eventually recede, but that's often when an entirely different kind of work begins.

Damaged belongings have to be removed. Mud and debris have to be cleared. Homes have to be cleaned out. Supplies have to be distributed. And sometimes, people who have just experienced one of the worst days of their lives just need someone willing to stand beside them and help.

That's where volunteers can make an enormous difference.

As Gill put it in his message to Indiana:

"Those Hoosiers sure need some help as well. Let's show them some good Louisiana love and come together as a community."