Founded as a grassroots organization in 1997, the Louisiana Himalaya Association Inc (LHAInc) is dedicated to helping Tibetan refugees who have fled their country to escape persecution.

Having made the treacherous journey by foot over the Himalayan Mountains to seek asylum in India and Nepal, this displaced population faces monumental resettlement issues, especially in the fields of education, employment, health care, and housing.

LHA fund raises and organizes volunteer efforts to support social service programs that focus on these vital areas of life; we are also dedicated to helping preserve and make available the vast wisdom, rich culture and profound knowledge of the Tibetan people. Through His Holiness the Dalai Lama, other Rinpoches, Monks, Nuns and local Tibetan people, we explore the Tibetans path, the goal of which is universal peace and an end to suffering for all.

In India and Nepal the primary goal of LHA is to help facilitate a healthy transition for the refugees, and provide assistance as they work to rebuild their lives and preserve their sacred culture. In Louisiana, we work to support these projects in the Himalayas while also making Tibetan teachings available here at home. We strive to create a cross- cultural bridge between the people of Tibet and those of Louisiana. In the wake of the devastation caused by hurricane Katrina, LHA expanded its mission to provide social and material support services in Southwestern Louisiana and Mississippi to storm affected communities as well.

Since its inception, LHA has raised funds, organized programs , projects and volunteers to help fulfill its mission. It has been an incredible journey through these past 13 years. A very special thanks goes out to those who have served and are serving as LHA's Board of Directors, without these dedicated individuals none of this would have been possible. Along with the Board we fully recognize and give heart felt thanks to all of our previous and present supporters and volunteers. It has been the community effort which has made the journey such a productive and enjoyable adventure. We are all looking forward to growing together into the future and facing the new challenges that await !