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Listen to Williamson's Notes: United in Hope
Dear Friends,
Some moments change lives forever. The first hours of January 1, 2024, were meant to be a celebration, a fresh start, a night filled with optimism for a brighter future ahead. Instead, it became a moment of unimaginable pain.
When the tragedy struck Bourbon Street, families were shattered, lives were forever altered, and an entire community was left reeling. But in the darkest moments, you were there.
Because of your generosity, United Way of Southeast Louisiana provided 691 people with immediate aid when they needed it most. That’s not just a number. It’s a mother, tragically injured, who didn’t have to worry about childcare or rent. It’s a daughter helping her dad receive the specialized care he needs to heal. It’s a father finding a small moment of relief in the overwhelming grief of losing a son.
“I had my young son, with the world at his feet, taken from me suddenly and brutally, miles away from home. My first thought was to fly to New Orleans to be with him and bring him home. I was bowled over by the overwhelming respect and dignity both he and I were shown by everyone I came across...I suppose what I am trying to say to your lovely donors is that by donating, you demonstrated genuine empathy and sympathy, which means more to me than anything else. Your team is doing amazing work, not just in raising funds but in restoring hope and faith.” — Father of an attack victim
This is what it means to do the heart work; to ensure that no family has to walk the difficult path of recovery and grief alone–and your support made that a reality.
With your help, we raised over $846,000, allowing us to distribute $683,661 in direct assistance to impacted individuals and partners, including:
- 14 families who lost loved ones
- 34 survivors with severe injuries
- 224 individuals present but not injured in the attack
- 632 hospitality workers impacted by the attack
- 19 hospitality workers needing emergency utility assistance
- 6 partner agencies providing direct victim service
These numbers don’t just represent dollars spent. They represent hope.
“I was able to pay rent and daycare for my two-year-old son with y’all’s help.”
— A woman critically injured in the attack
“The immediate funds made available to my family via United Way…were critical in getting access to the unique medical needs my father required given his extensive injuries. We were able to purchase a [specialized] bed for my dad and have it delivered before he was even released from the UMC Trauma Unit.”
— Daughter of an attack survivor
This is what we do. And this is what you make possible.
But as we close this chapter of our immediate response, we know the work isn’t over. We will still invest 100% of our remaining funds in long-term recovery and resiliency efforts, whether it’s ongoing assistance for survivors, trauma counseling, or strengthening our region’s ability to respond to future crises. We’re working thoughtfully to ensure every dollar you gave continues to make an impact—just as we always do.
This tragedy reminded us all how fragile life is. But it also showed us the power of community, of generosity, of people like you who refuse to stand by when others are suffering.
So from the bottom of our hearts, thank you. Thank you for giving. Thank you for caring. Thank you for proving that even in the darkest moments, there is always light.
And as we look ahead, I hope you’ll stay engaged with us, because where there’s a need, there’s a United Way. And where there’s a United Way, there’s you
With all my thanks,
Michael Williamson
President & CEO
United Way of Southeast Louisiana
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