Neighbors Helping Neighbors Since 2016
Grassroots disaster-response nonprofit mobilizing trained volunteers, boats, and supplies when communities need it most.
Cajun Navy 2016 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit born during the 2016 Louisiana floods when neighbors with boats and big hearts answered the call. Since then, we’ve grown into a nationwide network that responds to hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and other crises—coordinating rescues, delivering supplies, and supporting recovery. Our volunteers complete background checks and FEMA/ICS trainings, and we work hand‑in‑hand with local churches, community partners, and officials to keep people safe. Our mission is simple: show up, serve, and love our neighbors in their hardest moments.
- 501(c)(3) charitable organization
- Volunteer-led dispatch & field teams
- Boat, high-water, & supply operations
- Partnerships with churches & local officials
- Background-checked, trained volunteers
- Faith‑led spirit of service
Hurricane Harvey Hits Texas
Monitor & Dispatch
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Mobilize Volunteers
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Rescue & Relief
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Recovery Support
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Moments That Defined Us
A Timeline of Service and Resilience
When disaster strikes, our timeline tells the story of unwavering courage and commitment—one mission at a time.
- August 13, 2016
Great Flood SE Louisiana
- August 15, 2016
Anniversary of the Creation of Cajun Navy 2016
- March 2017
Tornado (EF3) Watson, Louisiana
- August 25, 2017
Hurricane Harvey (Cat 4) Houston/La
- September 16, 2017
Hurricane Maria (Cat 5) Puerto Rico
- September 4, 2018
Tropical Storm Gordon Alabama/Miss Border
- September 14, 2018
Hurricane Florence (Cat 3) Lumberton, N.C.
- October 2018
Hurricane Michael (Cat 5) Panama City, Florida
- March 3, 2019
Tornadoes (EF4) Beauregard, AL.
- May 19, 2019
Tornadoes (EF1) Ville Platte, Louisiana
- July 13, 2019
Tropical Storm Barry (Cat 1) Louisiana
- September. 2019
Tropical Storm Imelda Beaumont, Texas
- April 2020
Tornado (EF4) SoSo, Mississippi
- August 27, 2020
Hurricane Laura (Cat 4) Louisiana
- September 2020
Hurricane Sally (Cat 2) Foley, Alabama
- October 9, 2020
Hurricane Delta (Cat 2) Creole, La
- October 28, 2020
Hurricane Zeta (Cat 2) Louisiana
- August 2021
Hurricane Ida (Cat 4) Louisiana
- September 2022
Hurricane Ian (Cat 4) Fort Meyers, Florida
- September 2024
Hurricane Francine (Cat 2) Louisiana
- September 2024
Hurricane Helene (Cat 4) Montreat, North Carolina
- March 2025
Tornado (EF1) Tickfaw, Louisiana
- March 2025
Tornados (EF 3) Tylertown, Mississippi
- July 4, 2025
Flash Flood Leander, Texas
Volunteer
Stay connected and get involved! Explore our upcoming events and be a part of the mission to make a difference in our communities. Stay connected and get involved! Explore our upcoming events and be a part of the mission to make a difference in our communities. Stay connected and get involved! Explore our upcoming events and be a part of the mission to make a difference in our communities.
Donate
Stay connected and get involved! Explore our upcoming events and be a part of the mission to make a difference in our communities. Stay connected and get involved! Explore our upcoming events and be a part of the mission to make a difference in our communities. Stay connected and get involved! Explore our upcoming events and be a part of the mission to make a difference in our communities.
Request Help
Join us for FOOD FUN & PRIZES.
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Our 5th Annual Crawfish Cook-Off will be held Saturday April 19th at Hurricane Alley Live in Bossier City, LA. Come out and taste crawfish from each team with the purchase of a wrist band for $30. Cook teams can register below:
The Team
Meet the leaders and volunteers who coordinate rescues, logistics, and communications.
Jon Bridgers Sr
Founder & Chief Exective Officer
I was born and raised in Watson, Louisiana, and I founded Cajun Navy 2016 during the 2016 floods by rallying neighbors online to help people trapped by rising waters. What started as a call for boats and willing hands became a nationwide network of everyday heroes serving in disasters across the country. Guided by faith and family, I believe ordinary people can do extraordinary things when we show up for our neighbors.
Stephen Hoffman
Director of Dispatch & Board Member
Stephen joined during Hurricane Harvey and quickly became instrumental in formalizing dispatch coordination. A general contractor by trade, he brings logistics expertise—monitoring weather, routing teams, and ensuring volunteers return safely. He also serves as a youth leader in his church and is a devoted husband and father.
Mitch Collier aka PawPaw
Board Member, Minister & Boat Rescues
Known affectionately as “Pawpaw,” Mitch serves as the minister for Cajun Navy 2016, bringing faith, compassion, and encouragement to the team. When deployed, his primary focus is ensuring that children feel loved and experience a sense of normalcy, even in the midst of disaster. He has served as head deacon and youth leader in his church, as well as assistant fire chief for his local fire department, where he worked for many years as a firefighter and first responder. A general contractor by trade and a big kid at heart, Mitch brings steady leadership and warmth to every role he takes on.
John Able
Board Member - Rescue Boat Captain & Public Relations
Joining in 2017 during Hurricane Harvey, John now balances frontline boat operations with publicrelations—helping tell stories of hope, coordinating community events, and connecting the mission with the public. As a board member, he helps shape the organization’s direction while continuing to serve in the field.Monica Martin
Grants Program Director
With over 36 years of experience in helping Louisiana communities recover from devastating storms, Monica brings deep expertise in grant writing, project management, and disaster recovery. She has managed mitigation projects across more than 40 communities, coordinating with homeowners, contractors, and officials to elevate or buy out over 100 flood-prone structures. At Cajun Navy 2016, she designed and launched a grant program that provides funding to flood victims—writing policies, creating procedures, and working closely with applicants to guide them through the process. Passionate about building programs that deliver real relief and hope, Monica is dedicated to connecting survivors with the resources they need to feel secure and supported.
April McKenzie
Volunteer Coordinator
April welcomes and organizes volunteers, helping new team members plug in quickly wherever help is needed. Known for her warm heart and can-do spirit, she serves alongside her husband Ricky, a board member and team lead, to bring steady leadership to field operations.
Ellen Sweetwater
Development Outreach Coordinator
Earned a BME from Southestern Louisiana University and have been teaching music for 25 years. I have a daughter who works with a non-profit, a son who is a pilot and I am a single divorced widow.I am so honored to be a part of the CN2016 family. A few of my varied roles have been: dispatch, donations, supplies, grant writing, fundraisers, EOC and communications. It is indeed a privilege to work with an organization that does the Lords work. We work hard to help our neighbors and family in times of need.In my spare time, you can find me on the tennis court!
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