How to help those impacted by the historic flooding in Louisiana

Historic rainfall and flooding in southern Louisiana and parts of Mississippi have left the region devastated and vulnerable, affecting many families still recovering from similar flooding that hit the area in early March.

As much as two feet of rain collected over a 48-hour period in some regions. As of Sunday, more than 20,000 residents in southern Louisiana have been rescued from their homes, and more than 10,000 people have relocated to shelters. Six deaths have been reported.

But there are tangible ways you can help those feeling the impacts of the flooding in Louisiana. Below, we've listed how you can provide support and resources. We'll update this post as more options become available.

Donate to organizations making an impact on the ground

Several emergency relief organizations have been instrumental in search and rescue operations, as well as providing shelter and immediate essentials for those displaced by the flooding. Here are a few organizations doing critical work.

• United Way

The United Way of Southeastern Louisiana is providing those affected by the floods with counseling, clothing, food and other essential items. The organization is also dedicated to long-term support, such as building secure homes and providing mental health services. To donate to the United Way's efforts, visit here.

• Salvation Army

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The Salvation Army's Gulf Coast fund -- which serves Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama -- has been on the ground providing emergency relief assistance, temporary shelters and counseling services. The organization also plans to help those displaced finding permanent housing after the storm clears. To give directly to Gulf Coast flood relief efforts, click here.

• Red Cross

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The Red Cross has deployed volunteers to the impacted area to provide meals, temporary shelter and emotional support. To donate to the specific efforts of the Red Cross in this region, visit here and select "Louisiana Floods" from the drop-down menu. You can also text LAFLOODS to 90999 to donate $10.

• Convoy of Hope

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Convoy of Hope has responded to emergency situations around the U.S. since 1998. The organization seeks to bring "food, water, ice, emergency supplies and long-term solutions" to families impacted by natural disasters. To donate to its current work in Louisiana, visit here.

• Second Harvest Food Bank

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A food bank local to the southern Louisiana area, Second Harvest is distributing thousands of pounds of food, water and supplies to flood victims. The organization pointed out that this flooding is the third natural disaster to hit a region it serves in less than six months, meaning supplies are scarce. To donate to its relief efforts, visit here.

• Save the Children

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Save the Children is currently responding to the flooding in Louisiana, deploying an emergency response team to Baton Rouge to establish child-friendly spaces in emergency shelters and assess children’s most urgent needs. To support Save the Children’s Gulf Coast Floods Children’s Relief Fund, donate here.

Volunteer as a part of relief efforts

If you are nearby the impacted region and your personal situation is stable, consider volunteering on the ground. Relief organizations caution those wanting to help to do so with the support of an organized effort, instead of taking up search and rescue work independently. Here are some ways to get involved.

• Volunteer Louisiana

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Volunteer Louisiana, a state government portal for those in the region looking to make an on-the-ground impact, has set up a specific site to connect people with volunteer opportunities. Sign up here or email [email protected] to get involved.

• United Way

Volunteers are needed to help the United Way of Southeastern Louisiana distribute material aid, like food and clothing, to those displaced by flooding. To sign up for United Way volunteer efforts, visit here.

• Red Cross

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If you want to volunteer with the Red Cross, call 855-489-2528 or click here for volunteer applications for both adults and youth. The organization needs volunteers to support temporary shelters, distribute aid and assist in damage assessment.

• Salvation Army

Salvation Army volunteers are needed to staff shelters and help distribute aid. To learn how to volunteer with the Salvation Army's disaster relief team, visit here.

Keep tabs on long-term needs -- even after initial attention dies down

Even after immediate needs are met, long-term support is crucial to ensure families are given all they need to recover. As many advocates and relief workers have pointed out, that support doesn't only means immediate essentials like food, clothing and shelter. It also means critical mental health services and broader community support for those left reeling from the floods.

Many of the organizations above -- including the United Way, Salvation Army and Convoy of Hope -- have all stated they are dedicated to long-term solutions and support in the region. Bookmark their efforts to keep up-to-date on how to help -- but also listen to the impacted communities as they voice their own needs in the upcoming days, weeks and months.