OUR RESULTS
Chronic unemployment. Financial illiteracy. Homelessness. In communities around the world, individuals and families are facing financial obstacles that prevent a good quality of life.
We’re fighting to put every person, in every community, on a path toward financial stability. That starts with access to services, job training, credit counseling, and money management programs.
12,772
individuals accessed affordable housing, financial products, and services
100%
of individuals served increased disposable income by accessing benefits and/or reducing costs
83%
of individuals targeted were able to secure safe, affordable housing
FEATURED IMPACT STORY
After being unable to work for several months due to COVID-19, Linda* came to United Way of Southeast Louisiana seeking rental assistance. She was laid off from her job as a home health nurse after one of her patients was diagnosed with COVID-19.
In the midst of this difficult time, Linda was diagnosed with cancer, hospitalized, and underwent several surgeries. But thanks to support from United Way of Southeast Louisiana, she is now receiving assistance from Total Community Action. The TCA staff have helped her file for unemployment and ensure her information is up to date so she can receive full benefits. As someone who dedicates her life to others, Linda is no stranger to the power of giving, saying, “being kind pays off.”
*Name and image changed to protect client privacy
PUBLIC POLICY HIGHLIGHTS
The United Way of Southeast Louisiana 2020 Public Policy Legislative Agenda, “United for a Safe & Prosperous Community,” advances our mission to eradicate poverty in Southeast Louisiana by fighting for the most vulnerable among us. COVID-19 interrupted the 2020 session, and it also interrupted what bills made it to the floor, with pandemic-related bills taking precedent.
Financial Stability Wins in 2020:
ACT 138 (Formerly HB 328) authored by Rep. Aimee Adatto Freeman TAX/SALES-USE, LOCAL-EXEM: Authorizes an exemption from local sales taxes for feminine hygiene products and diapers.
HB 70 authored by Rep. Samuel Jenkins TAX/TAX REBATES: Extends Enterprise Zone Program incentives to essential critical infrastructure workers by authorizing the payment of a one-time hazard pay rebate.
Frontline Workers – grocery store employees, nurses, bus drivers and others who stayed on their jobs during the early stages of the coronavirus outbreak will get a one-time $250 payment, provided they make less than $50,000 a year and worked at least 200 hours in an essential job during the stay-at-home order.
View a wrap-up of our efforts during the 2020 regular and special legislative sessions here.
