United Way requesting donations to support Disaster relief, recovery
NEW ORLEANS – United Way of Southeast Louisiana (UWSELA) and WWL-TV Channel 4 are encouraging public donations to the Disaster Relief Fund to help communities recover from the damaging severe storms that blanketed the area on April 10. UWSELA will dedicate 100% of funds to support immediate relief and long-term recovery for Southeast Louisiana communities affected by the tornados and flooding.
Visit UnitedWaySELA.org/Disaster to contribute.
“It’s moments like these that we see the true strength of Southeast Louisiana. That’s why United Way of Southeast Louisiana is activating our Disaster Relief Fund – it’s a way for us, as neighbors, to help our neighbors in need. Every donation, big or small, will go directly to families and our local, trusted partners working tirelessly on the ground,” said Michael Williamson, UWSELA President and CEO.
Stay tuned to UWSELA’s channels for more information on additional support opportunities.
CALL 211 FOR HELP
Area residents may dial 211 to access up-to-date information and available recovery services from local partners and government agencies in their respective parishes. A toll-free call to 211 will connect individuals to a community resources specialist who will help pinpoint critical aid.
UWSELA’S DISASTER RESPONSE
When tornados hit New Orleans East and Arabi twice in 2022, UWSELA provided over $223,000 in crisis grants and relief supplies – thanks to generous donors – to the 213 affected households and local schools, businesses and nonprofits to aid recovery efforts.
UWSELA also began collecting personal hygiene supplies and diapers just 12 hours after the March tornadic supercell moved over the region, and in only three days, received over $70,000 in material goods. Staff and volunteers dispersed the supplies via pop-ups and neighborhood canvassing, transported the remaining donations to the Community Center of St. Bernard, and helped organize their storeroom for easy distribution.
In the wake of Hurricane Ida, UWSELA team members were on the ground within a week, coordinating with local officials to identify and respond to needs throughout the region. UWSELA raised over $3.5 million to support immediate needs and helped deliver $2 million in supply donations and mitigation materials.
Learn more at UnitedWaySELA.org/Disaster.
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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. For more information, please visit UnitedWaySELA.org. Find us on social: @UnitedWaySELA.
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