If not, you are fortunate.
But chances are you know someone who is living in poverty. Maybe someone in your neighborhood...perhaps a friend or even a family member.
The latest U.S. Census data just released, shows that one in five Louisiana residents lived in poverty last year, unchanged from the previous year. And, overall, the Bayou State had the third highest rate of poverty in our country-19.8%. The national poverty rate was 14.8%.
The rate of Louisiana's children living in poverty is most alarming - estimated at 27.9 percent, or more than 306,000 children.
United Way of Southeast Louisiana knows that poverty is the root cause of many of our social problems. That's why we want you to join us and GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER.
We held 63 listening sessions in our seven-parish region and identified poverty as United Way's 'Big Issue' going forward. We've put our stake in the ground. We want businesses, government and individuals to join us in developing strategies and partnerships.
Together we can educate and empower people to help lift them out of poverty. We can create a stronger, better community for us all.
Michael Williamson
President & CEO
United Way of Southeast Louisiana
"The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little."
~Franklin D. Roosevelt