WE HAVE A PLAN
Our United Way has embarked on a journey to renew our approach to creating lasting change. Through research and engagement, it became clear that poverty is the fundamental issue in the region and the root cause of many of our social problems. This has led United Way to a bold vision to eradicate POVERTY. The aim of this plan is to present a compelling path forward toward a stronger, prosperous, and more equitable region. We want businesses and individuals to join us in developing strategies and partnerships. Together we can educate and empower people to help lift them out of poverty to create a stronger, better community.
OVERVIEW
Who is Struggling and What Does that Mean to the Community?
What does it mean when so many are struggling?
Community Impact Partner Agencies and Programs
WHO IS STRUGGLING AND WHAT DOES THAT MEAN TO THE COMMUNITY?
Our most recent data shows 19% of Louisiana’s population is living in poverty. The federal poverty line varies between individuals [$12,140] and families [$25,100 for a family of four], leaving these households with limited resources. While this figure is daunting, it fails to capture many individuals and families who struggle to afford basic needs including housing, child care, health care, food and transportation.
ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) identifies the struggle of an additional 32% of Southeast Louisiana households, comprised of hard-working taxpayers who don’t fit the traditional idea of poverty given their employment status. ALICE households are living paycheck to paycheck – unable to save and often one health emergency, one car repair, or one harsh storm away from poverty.
WHEN ALICE FAMILIES AND THOSE LIVING IN POVERTY SUFFER, WE ALL SUFFER.
If 50% of our neighbors in Southeast Louisiana can’t afford the basics, they cannot help to stimulate the economy with purchasing power - putting a greater strain on local services. If our community cannot afford to save for the future, we all bear the costs.
THE VISION
Our bold vision takes a holistic approach to solving these problems through collective impact - which involves businesses, nonprofits, foundations, government, churches, schools, and YOU coming together to break down silos, align programs and resources, and set shared goals.
We want others to be inspired by our vision and partner with us in this collective impact approach to quality jobs, growing incomes, and better health and education opportunities in every parish in the region.
THE BLUEPRINT FOR PROSPERITY
OUR PLAN
The Blueprint for Prosperity is a plan to move people out of poverty in our region and requires a change in the way our entire community approaches the issue, creating pathways for prosperity for generations to come.
Our Blueprint is driving our investments in the community to programs and collaborations that provide long-term solutions focused on ending poverty; we are inspiring others to adopt our vision; informing others with data and innovative practices so they can accelerate their own impact, and initiating new collaborations where there are gaps.
It is only through proactive collaboration that we can have the critical impact necessary to make our Blueprint for Prosperity a reality for all.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED?
Give. Advocate. Volunteer. Connect.
Together, we can create the maximum impact for the people in our region. Your personal commitment is instrumental to our holistic approach to solving the root cause of so many of our community’s problems - Poverty.