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United for New Orleans Relief Fund Financial Assistance: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who qualifies for assistance from the United for New Orleans Relief Fund?
Anyone present at the New Year’s Day attack on Bourbon Street who has been vetted by the FBI qualifies for assistance. This includes those physically injured, family members of the deceased, and others directly impacted by the tragedy.
How do I begin the FBI’s vetting process?
To access assistance, all victims must undergo the FBI’s vetting process. Call the FBI at 504.355.0846 or visit the FAC to begin this process.
How do I access financial assistance from United Way?
United Way will receive referrals for financial assistance from the FBI’s victim specialists.
What kinds of financial aid are available through United Way?
- Families of deceased victims can receive up to $15,000 for funeral and trauma-related expenses.
- Injured victims can receive up to $3,500 for medical and trauma-related expenses.
What documentation is required to receive financial assistance?
Per IRS guidelines, recipients must:
- Provide invoices or documentation of expenses incurred.
- Confirm that these expenses are not covered by insurance.
Where can I get additional in-person assistance?
The Family Assistance Center (FAC) is available to help victims and their loved ones. The FAC is located at:
St. Martin de Porres Parish School, 5621 Elysian Fields Ave., New Orleans, LA 70122
Hours: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. (Hours subject to change)
At the FAC, victims can access services like mental health support, financial and legal assistance, personal effects return, crime victim reparations fund applications, and more.
Who is operating the FAC?
The FBI has worked with local, state, and federal partners to open a centralized location where victims and their loved ones can receive in-person information and assistance. At the FAC, victims and family members will also be able to recover personal items left at the scene of the attack. Media will not be allowed to enter the FAC out of concern for the privacy of victims and their families.
If I wasn’t physically injured, can I still receive assistance?
Yes. Even if you were not physically injured, you may qualify for other forms of assistance if you were present and impacted by the attack. Visit the Family Assistance Center or contact the FBI for more information.
What if I know someone who may qualify for assistance?
If you know someone who may be eligible, please encourage them to contact the FBI at 504.355.0846 or visit the Family Assistance Center.
Are interpretation services available at the Family Assistance Center?
Yes, interpretation services are available to ensure all impacted individuals can access the support they need.
What if I need mental health assistance?
The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) is the first national hotline dedicated to providing year-round disaster crisis counseling. This toll-free, multilingual, crisis support service is available 24/7 to all residents in the US and its territories who are experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.
Call or text 1-800-985-5990 for assistance.
Additional mental health resources are available through the Family Assistance Center and online at UnitedWaySELA.org/UnitedForNOLAResources.
Where can I find additional resources and updates?
Visit the United Way’s resource page at UnitedWaySELA.org/UnitedForNOLAResources and follow @UnitedWaySELA on social media for more information and updates.
What is the United for New Orleans Relief Fund?
United Way of Southeast Louisiana established the United for New Orleans Relief Fund to provide direct assistance to victims, families, and others affected by the New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans.
How can I donate to the fund?
To contribute to the United for New Orleans Relief Fund:
- Donate online at UnitedWaySELA.org/UnitedForNOLA
- Send checks to United Way of Southeast Louisiana at 2401 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70119 with “United for New Orleans Relief Fund” in the memo line.
How much has been raised?
$595,949.80 as of 3:00 p.m. on 1/7/25
United Way of Southeast Louisiana will continue to provide regular updates on United for NOLA fund totals through this webpage.
How much has been distributed?
$360,000 has been allotted for victims, their families, and the Family Assistance Center. Read more here.
United Way of Southeast Louisiana will continue to provide regular updates on United for NOLA fund distributions through this webpage.
How is United Way determining the best use of funds?
United Way of Southeast Louisiana remains committed to ensuring that every dollar donated to the United for New Orleans Relief Fund goes directly to those impacted by the New Year's Day attack.
As we look ahead, our strategy for fund distributions will:
- Prioritize victims' needs
- Support the hospitality industry
- Expand access to mental health resources
- Invest in long-term recovery efforts
We will make strategic distributions to ensure the fund has the greatest possible impact, with the first occurring on 1/7/24 – just six days after the attack. This approach allows us to remain responsive to urgent and emerging needs as we continue our boots-on-the-ground efforts with trusted partners.
Transparency and accountability are at the core of our work. We are committed to providing regular reporting on the individuals helped, services provided, and the impact made through the fund. As a 100-year trusted local organization, United Way has earned the confidence of respected philanthropists such as MacKenzie Scott, Gayle Benson, J. Wayne Leonard, and many others. This reputation reflects our dedication to addressing critical community needs with integrity and measurable results.
We will continue to update the community on the fund's progress, ensuring that every donor and partner sees the tangible outcomes of their generosity.
What does long-term recovery look like after an attack like this?
After an attack such as the New Year's Day tragedy, the long-term needs of a community extend far beyond the immediate response. Survivors and families require ongoing mental health support, financial assistance for sustained hardships, and resources to rebuild their lives. Communities also face challenges in addressing collective trauma, restoring a sense of safety, and supporting industries, like hospitality, that are critical to economic recovery.
United Way of Southeast Louisiana is committed to being a partner in long-term recovery, ensuring that individuals and families receive the care and resources they need to heal. We will continue to work with trusted partners and donors to adapt to emerging needs, provide transparent updates, and remain a source of strength and stability as our community rebuilds.
Who can I contact for further assistance or questions?
For additional help, contact United Way of Southeast Louisiana at info@UnitedWaySELA.org.