Aid available to individuals vetted through FBI
NEW ORLEANS – United Way of Southeast Louisiana (UWSELA) is announcing Tuesday the first distributions from the United for New Orleans Relief Fund to support individuals affected by the New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans. The fund, created in the immediate aftermath of the tragic event, will allocate $360,000 in initial grants to provide direct assistance to individuals and families who were present during the attack and impacted by its aftermath.
In the days following the attack, UWSELA coordinated with the Louisiana Region of the Red Cross and the FBI to understand the most urgent needs of victims and families.
The funds will be distributed as follows:
- Up to $15,000 per family to assist with funeral and trauma-related expenses for the deceased victims
- Up to $3,500 to each of the injured victims for medical and trauma-related expenses
- A $10,000 grant to the New Orleans Family Justice Center to provide essential needs to impacted individuals through the FBI’s Family Assistance Center (FAC)
The remaining funds will support long-term crisis counseling and other emerging needs.
"Our commitment to transparency and accountability has never been stronger," said Michael Williamson, President and CEO of United Way of Southeast Louisiana. "Every single dollar donated to the United for New Orleans Relief Fund is going directly to victims and those affected – no overhead fees, no exceptions. At United Way, we move at the speed of need, ensuring support is delivered as quickly and efficiently as possible to those who need it most."
Individuals receiving funds for funeral, medical and trauma-related expenses from UWSELA must be vetted by the FBI to confirm their presence during the New Year’s Day attack. Please complete the vetting process by calling 504.355.0846 for assistance. Per IRS guidelines, recipients must also provide invoices for expenses incurred and attest that they do not have insurance coverage for those expenses.
UWSELA will receive referrals for financial assistance from the FBI’s victim specialists.
“The American Red Cross, in its role of supporting the FBI, is honored to stand alongside New Orleans and our partners to establish and support the Family Assistance Center,” added Dr. Kenneth St. Charles, Regional Chief Executive Officer for the Louisiana Region of the American Red Cross. “We are deeply grateful for the dedication of our volunteers, both local and from across the nation, who responded without hesitation to meet the city’s needs and ensure that no one navigates this tragedy alone."
The FAC – located at St. Martin de Porres Parish School, 5621 Elysian Fields Ave., New Orleans, LA – is available to help victims and their loved ones access services like mental health support, financial and legal assistance, personal effects return, crime victim reparations fund applications and more.
“Trusted local, state, and federal partners have come together to ensure victims and their families have access to critical services and aid," said Mary Claire Landry, founder and consultant of the New Orleans Family Justice Center. "We strongly encourage anyone who has not yet reached out for assistance to contact the FBI and visit the center so we can connect them to essential resources and help them begin the journey of healing."
The fund has been supported by generous donations from individuals, businesses and community groups, with 100% of proceeds going toward those affected by the attack.
One donor shared their reason for giving:
"We were visiting New Orleans when this happened and were on Bourbon Street just hours before the attack. We are sending love to the victims' families and hope our contribution can help alleviate some of the financial difficulties during such a devastating event. This hits close to home since we were so close to it, and we are heartbroken to see such a horrific thing unfold. We wish the victims' loved ones peace and justice."
The public can access more information about financial assistance for the victims online at UnitedWaySELA.org/UnitedForNOLAFAQs.
UWSELA continues to call on the community to support the fund. Donations can be made online at UnitedWaySELA.org/UnitedForNOLA, and impacted individuals can find resources at UnitedWaySELA.org/UnitedForNOLAResources.
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About United Way of Southeast Louisiana
For 100 years, United Way of Southeast Louisiana (UWSELA) has been a leader and trusted partner in improving lives and making a lasting difference. We fight to eradicate poverty by preparing people for quality jobs, growing incomes, and affording better health and education opportunities throughout Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington parishes. We have a bold vision of equitable communities where all individuals are healthy, educated, and financially stable – and we have a plan. United Way of Southeast Louisiana’s Blueprint for Prosperity guides all strategic investments in programs, initiatives, collaborations, volunteerism, and advocacy aimed at tackling poverty. Find us on social: @UnitedWaySELA.