In Southeast Louisiana, nearly half of all households struggle to afford basic necessities. Behind this statistic are hardworking human beings, loving families, and caring neighbors who, despite their best efforts, find themselves unable to keep pace with the rising cost of living. Research by the Brookings Institute points out that “the effects of rising prices have been even more pronounced for poorer families, and especially families of color.”
United Way of Southeast Louisiana is a trusted non-profit with deep local roots that sees how our communities’ greatest challenges are interconnected. By showing up in communities, listening, and responding with innovative solutions, they aim to increase resilience and advance health, youth opportunity, and financial security for all. Their stated mission is simple and bold: to eradicate poverty.
UNDERSTANDING COMMUNITIES: ALICE IN SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA
United Way focuses their efforts on community members within the ALICE demographic—that is: Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. This describes families who still face financial hardship—unable to afford necessities such as housing, food, childcare, healthcare, essential technologies, and transportation—despite doing everything they are supposed to do to ensure their own thriving.
At least 49% of households in Southeast Louisiana fell below the ALICE threshold in 2023, an unacceptable number by any measure. You can learn more specifics in United Way’s Southeast Louisiana ALICE Report.
Even as many low-income workers saw their wages grow at the fastest rate in four decades, this didn’t equal better quality of life as inflation diminished those wage gains. This is the context for understanding the depth of need in our communities and of United Way’s approach to assistance.
COLLABORATING TOWARDS A LASTING IMPACT
United Way of Southeast Louisiana believes that true community transformation requires addressing multiple interconnected challenges simultaneously. From quality healthcare and education to social and financial wellbeing, United Way opens opportunities for people to navigate their challenges more effectively and efficiently.
Their collaborative approach brings together non-profits, government agencies, industrial corporations, and community members to help change lives. By coordinating resources and organizing efforts, they ensure that help reaches some of those who need it. You can explore their community impact to see how this approach creates measurable change across Southeast Louisiana.
DISASTER RESPONSE AND RESILIENCE
Living in Southeast Louisiana means facing the dangers and aftermath of natural disasters. United Way stands ready before, during, and after such crises. When disasters hit, they help families return to their homes as soon as possible, rebuild schools and businesses, and ensure vulnerable neighbors receive the care they need.
Working with local organizations, United Way builds strategies to create resilient communities to weather any storm. Learn more about their disaster resources and how they support community resilience.
WAYS TO UNITE
United Way of Southeast Louisiana offers a number of different ways for you to be part of their solution:
Volunteer: Share your time and labor to make a difference. Opportunities include mentoring programs, disaster response efforts, financial literacy workshops, and community service days.
Join Affinity Groups: Connect with like-minded individuals through United Way’s affinity groups. These communities within the community allow you to engage with others who share your interests while working toward common goals.
Donate: United Way’s efforts are made possible through partnerships and financial support from many local and international donors. You too can contribute to their efforts, knowing that every dollar contributed to United Way of Southeast Louisiana stays in Southeast Louisiana to create real local impact.
Follow and Share: Stay connected + help spread the word about United Way’s vital work:
- Instagram: @unitedwaysela
- Facebook: UnitedWaySELA
- LinkedIn: unitedwaysela
Join United Way of Southeast Louisiana in their mission to eradicate poverty. Visit unitedwaysela.org to learn more about how you can be part of building a stronger, more equitable Southeast Louisiana.
We’ll let Michael Williamson, President and CEO of United Way of Southeast Louisiana, have the last word. He says:
“At United Way, we believe in the power of people coming together for the greater good. Our role is to connect the dots between those who need help and those who are ready to help, between big challenges and real solutions. Whether you’re a donor, volunteer, advocate, or partner, there’s a role for everyone in this work. Because when we unite around a shared purpose, there’s no limit to what we can achieve together.”
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