Devastation in Tuscaloosa. http://www.stamfordadvocate.comLast week a horrifying set of tornadoes ripped through Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, and Arkansas. The pictures devastating, to say nothing of the stories behind those images. There were a lot of resources available for other recent natural disasters so that all of us not effected knew how and where to lend a helping hand and our dollars. I’ve seen surprisingly few for this latest disaster, and decided to share what I’ve been learning. Here’s how you can help:
– American Red Cross: The Red Cross is providing relief to people across the hardest-hit states, providing shelter and relief to survivors. To support these efforts, donations can be made to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Visit Red Cross’s website, www.redcross.org, or call 1-800-RED-CROSS to make a donation. Checks can be sent to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013.
– Convoy of Hope: Convoy of Hope disaster response team members, aided by volunteers who have contributed more than 3,000 hours, are operating a distribution in Birmingham, Alabama. Two additional points of distribution were activated Saturday, April 30, 2011 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, including a site at a Baptist church on the University of Alabama campus. Convoy of Hope distribution sites will provide food, water and supplies to those affected by the disaster. So far, over 1 million pounds of product have been provided or slated for delivery to the affected areas. To learn more about their work and how you can support their efforts, visit their website.
– Salvation Army: The Salvation Army has provided food, hydration and other services to more than 6,000 survivors and first responders in the southeastern United States since the April tornadoes. The Army will continue to do so in the hardest hit cities, including Tuscaloosa and Birmingham, AL; Cleveland and Chattanooga, TN; Kemper County, Webster County, and Oxford, MS and others. To support the challenges facing survivors, The Salvation Army’s Florida Division deployed 10 mobile canteens and a team of 30 volunteers and staff to assist in the relief efforts in Tuscaloosa and Birmingham.
You can donate to the Salvation Army by going to their website, disaster.salvationarmyusa.org, or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Text “GIVE” to 80888 to make a $10 donation to assist the organization’s disaster response efforts. Or send a check to: The Salvation Army Disaster Relief, P.O. Box 100339, Atlanta, GA 30384-0339.
– World Vision: World Vision’s domestic relief team is preparing to deploy this Saturday morning from the Dallas area to Alabama and nearby states hardest-hit by last night’s storms. They plan to work with local churches and other organizations to identify families with limited means, families left destitute, or people who may have difficulty accessing other assistance. To support these efforts, visit www.worldvision.org to donate to call 888.56.CHILD (24453).
Alabama Governor’s Emergency Relief Fund: The Fund, part of the Alabama Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, provides additional recovery assistance to Alabama residents who have exhausted all other coverage provided by relief organizations, government programs and insurance. To donate, visit their online donation page.
Roll Tide Relief
My friend, Preston, sent me a link to this site that was sent out by the University Alabama and a link to donate to the UA Acts of Kindness fund that helps out students affected by the tornado.
IN BRIEF
Author, journalist, digital product manager, and licensed New York City tour guide. Creator and host of NYC's Secrets and Lies. Alumna of the University of Pennsylvania (BA), the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia (MBA), Arizona State University (Biomimicry), and the University of Cambridge (MSt in Sustainability Leadership).
I build digital media platforms, report on urban climate resilience and biodiversity, and produce live narrative experiences that connect communities to history, nature, and place.
THE DEEP DIVE
My work centers on a single thread: building systems and stories that foster deep connection to our shared world. Across digital streaming, environmental reporting, and live civic storytelling, I design experiences that help people understand complex ideas and the environments around them.
DIGITAL PRODUCT STRATEGY & MEDIA LEADERSHIP
At Carnegie Hall, I serve as Digital Product Manager, leading product strategy, operations, and technical delivery for the video streaming platform Carnegie Hall+. I translate artistic mission into scalable, high-performance streaming architecture that reaches audiences globally. Previously, I led agile product and delivery teams across operations and compliance at American Express, managed Broadway theatrical productions and national tours, and guided strategic initiatives across cultural institutions.
ENVIRONMENTAL JOURNALISM & AUTHORSHIP
As a freelance journalist, I investigate how living systems, urban infrastructure, and human culture intersect. My reported features on urban decarbonization, biodiversity, coastal resilience, and biomimicry appear in publications including Smithsonian Magazine, The Washington Post, Mongabay, Natural History Magazine, and Foreign Policy Magazine. In fiction, I write the Emerson Page young adult novel series, alongside upcoming historical fiction and nonfiction works on New York history, mythology, and human resilience. I also write Togetherhood, a LinkedIn newsletter focused on urban ecology and community restoration, and co-host the podcast Frameworks in the Wild.
LIVE EXPERIENCE & CIVIC STORYTELLING
As a licensed New York City tour guide and live event producer, I transform urban landscapes into shared narrative encounters. I created, produce, and host NYC's Secrets and Lies, an interactive live storytelling series staged across cultural landmarks including the New York Transit Museum, the South Street Seaport Museum, and the historic tall ship Wavertree. I also design and lead site-specific walking tours exploring coastal ecology, food history, and neighborhood evolution, often with partners at Climate Week NYC and the Natural Areas Conservancy.
DOUBLE OR NOTHING MEDIA
Through my independent production studio, Double or Nothing Media, I develop ventures across media, ecology, and public history:
Digital Products & Strategy: Architecting scalable digital platforms, streaming experiences, and operational models for mission-driven institutions.
Environmental Reporting & Publications: Delivering long-form reporting, books, and newsletters grounded in climate resilience and regenerative design.
Site-Specific Live Storytelling: Producing immersive live shows and educational walking tours that engage public audiences in community history.
CONNECT
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Emerson Page Novels: emersonpagebook.wordpress.com/
View all posts by Christa Avampato
8 thoughts on “Beginning: How to Help the Rebuilding Efforts in Alabama”
What is scary is that such events have now become common. We no longer bat an eyelid nor are there any raised eyebrows when the newsmedia delivers the knock-out punch about such natural disasters. I think we have all contributed to violating the laws of nature and now we are paying the price.
Many would say that this is a result of climate change/global warming. It is unfortunate that so many people have to suffer. Our wishes and prayers are for those who have been victims.
Hello,
I am the owner of a home improvement/repair/rebuilding company looking to help with the disaster relief. What can I do in the Southeastern area?
Hi James,
Thanks so much for your message. Reach out to any of these nonprofits directly and let them know what services you offer. I’m certain that your skills aree very much in need in AL!
das nenn ich eine wirkliche katastrophe-
nach einer unangenehmen erkrankung ( drehschwindel ), die noch nicht völlig kuriert bzw abgeklärt und nach einer schon lange geplanten berlin-reise ist melde ich mich im internet zurück und habe nun einiges abzuarbeiten
thanks for sharing!
http://flickrcomments.wordpress.com/2011/01/11/flood-victim/
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news about Tuscaloosa
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuscaloosa%2C_Alabama
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Thanks so much for this resource!
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Christa,
What is scary is that such events have now become common. We no longer bat an eyelid nor are there any raised eyebrows when the newsmedia delivers the knock-out punch about such natural disasters. I think we have all contributed to violating the laws of nature and now we are paying the price.
Many would say that this is a result of climate change/global warming. It is unfortunate that so many people have to suffer. Our wishes and prayers are for those who have been victims.
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Hi Archan,
It’s so true! We’ve almost become immune to devastation and pictures of wreckage. We need more compassion in this world. Much more.
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Hello,
I am the owner of a home improvement/repair/rebuilding company looking to help with the disaster relief. What can I do in the Southeastern area?
Thanks,
James Hampton
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Hi James,
Thanks so much for your message. Reach out to any of these nonprofits directly and let them know what services you offer. I’m certain that your skills aree very much in need in AL!
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hi frizz
das nenn ich eine wirkliche katastrophe-
nach einer unangenehmen erkrankung ( drehschwindel ), die noch nicht völlig kuriert bzw abgeklärt und nach einer schon lange geplanten berlin-reise ist melde ich mich im internet zurück und habe nun einiges abzuarbeiten
hoffe du bist gesund und guter dinge
herzl wolfgang
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