Empowering New Orleans: Lighting the Way with Chandler Chargers for Accessibility and Preparedness

Flooding in New Orleans. Photo credit: Nola News

​Thanks to our Global 5K fundraiser back in March, we were able to donate 50 Chandler Chargers to a new partner: NOLA Ready. NOLA Ready is the City of New Orleans’ Emergency Preparedness Campaign, managed by the New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness' (NOHSEP) Public Engagement Branch. NOLA Ready provides a direct connection between NOHSEP and the city served, striving to ensure that

New Orleanians are prepared and connected to emergency information before, during, and after disasters. Through year-round public engagement, the NOLA Ready team communicates all-hazards to residents, businesses, and community organizations in Orleans Parish.

​Unite to Light Chandler Chargers were distributed in June of 2023 to individuals with access and functional needs — or people who may have access to fewer resources and people with disabilities — in the city of New Orleans. Individuals with accessibility needs are more vulnerable to power outages, storms, and natural disasters that regularly strike New Orleans.

The Chandler Chargers play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of these individuals, particularly during emergencies like storms when power outages are common. By providing folks with the Chargers, NOLA Ready is

Unite to Light volunteer Sofia Tognotti (right) delivering Chandler Chargers to NOLA Ready staff for distribution in the city. The Tognotti family spearheaded fundraising for this project.

taking proactive steps to prepare them for potential disruptions in power supply. Offering effective training on Charger usage becomes a practical, life-saving measure, empowering folks living with disabilities extra assurance to keep their assistive devices functioning even when regular power sources are down.

This initiative underscores NOLA Ready’s strong commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, highlighting the importance of being prepared and providing support to vulnerable communities during challenging times. NOLA Ready emphasized the importance of every member in their community having the necessary resources to navigate emergency situations. Initiatives like this can significantly improve the lives of those with access and functional needs in New Orleans.

Unite to Light’s Chandler Chargers were deeply appreciated. “We appreciate the donation and are enthusiastic about the prospect of continuing our collaboration” stated Bianchi Hughes, Community Engagement Manager at NOLA Ready, “we’ve received over 100 requests for Chargers since our initial distribution in June.”

Be a part of the difference. Just $30 can provide a Chandler Charger — a life-altering source of backup power — to someone in need.

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