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United for New Orleans Relief Fund Assistance: Frequently Asked Questions
What if I need mental health assistance?
The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) is the first national hotline dedicated to providing year-round disaster crisis counseling. This toll-free, multilingual, crisis support service is available 24/7 to all residents in the US and its territories who are experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.
Call or text 1-800-985-5990 for assistance.
Additional mental health resources are available through the NOLA Hub (formerly the Family Assistance Center) and online at UnitedWaySELA.org/UnitedForNOLAResources.
Where can I find additional resources and updates?
Visit the United Way’s resource page at UnitedWaySELA.org/UnitedForNOLAResources and follow @UnitedWaySELA on social media for more information and updates.
What is the United for New Orleans Relief Fund?
United Way of Southeast Louisiana established the United for New Orleans Relief Fund to provide direct assistance to victims, families, and others affected by the New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans.
How can I donate to the fund?
To contribute to the United for New Orleans Relief Fund:
- Donate online at UnitedWaySELA.org/UnitedForNOLA
- Send checks to United Way of Southeast Louisiana at 2401 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70119 with “United for New Orleans Relief Fund” in the memo line.
How much has been raised and distributed?
The latest fund total and distributions are available online at UnitedWaySELA.org/UnitedForNOLAUpdates.
How is United Way determining the best use of funds?
United Way of Southeast Louisiana remains committed to ensuring that every dollar donated to the United for New Orleans Relief Fund goes directly to those impacted by the New Year's Day attack.
As we look ahead, our strategy for fund distributions will:
- Prioritize victims' needs
- Support the hospitality industry
- Expand access to mental health resources
- Invest in long-term recovery efforts
We will make strategic distributions to ensure the fund has the greatest possible impact, with the first occurring on 1/7/24 – just six days after the attack. This approach allows us to remain responsive to urgent and emerging needs as we continue our boots-on-the-ground efforts with trusted partners.
Transparency and accountability are at the core of our work. We are committed to providing regular reporting on the individuals helped, services provided, and the impact made through the fund. As a 100-year trusted local organization, United Way has earned the confidence of respected philanthropists such as MacKenzie Scott, Gayle Benson, J. Wayne Leonard, and many others. This reputation reflects our dedication to addressing critical community needs with integrity and measurable results.
We will continue to update the community on the fund's progress, ensuring that every donor and partner sees the tangible outcomes of their generosity.
What does long-term recovery look like after an attack like this?
After an attack such as the New Year's Day tragedy, the long-term needs of a community extend far beyond the immediate response. Survivors and families require ongoing mental health support, financial assistance for sustained hardships, and resources to rebuild their lives. Communities also face challenges in addressing collective trauma, restoring a sense of safety, and supporting industries, like hospitality, that are critical to economic recovery.
United Way of Southeast Louisiana is committed to being a partner in long-term recovery, ensuring that individuals and families receive the care and resources they need to heal. We will continue to work with trusted partners and donors to adapt to emerging needs, provide transparent updates, and remain a source of strength and stability as our community rebuilds.
Who can I contact for further assistance or questions?
For additional help, contact United Way of Southeast Louisiana at info@UnitedWaySELA.org.
United for New Orleans Relief Fund Assistance: Hospitality Cares Grants
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for help through Hospitality Cares?
Workers who are employed at a hospitality business (like a restaurant, hotel, or bar) on Bourbon Street, between Canal Street and Conti Street, and were affected by the temporary closure or reduced hours because of the New Year’s Day attack can apply.
Temporary closure: Your workplace was shut down for a short period because of the New Year’s Day attack, so you couldn’t work.
Reduced hours: Your workplace stayed open but operated for fewer hours, which resulted in less work or fewer shifts for employees.
How much money can I get?
Approved applicants will receive $250 in financial assistance. Because there is limited funding, only one grant is allowed per household, and not everyone who applies may receive assistance.
What are the income requirements?
To qualify, you must earn:
- $31,000 or less as an individual.
- $85,000 or less as a household with children.
What do I need to apply?
You’ll need these documents:
- A valid government-issued ID or driver’s license. License may not be expired.
- A recent pay stub to prove you work at an eligible Bourbon Street business.
When can I apply?
Applications open Thursday, Jan. 16, at 9 a.m. online at UnitedWaySELA.org/HospitalityCares. The application will close when all funds are used.
How will I know if I’m approved?
You’ll get an email or notification about your application status within two weeks of submitting it.
What if my workplace doesn't meet the eligibility requirements?
We understand how difficult this time is for everyone impacted, and we’re deeply sorry that Hospitality Cares may not be able to assist everyone through this program. The funds are limited, but if additional resources become available, we will announce new opportunities for support through our social media channels and on our website. Please know that other resources may be available to you, such as mental health counseling, legal aid, and trauma recovery services, which can be accessed through UnitedWaySELA.org/UnitedForNOLAResources.
What if I need help with things other than money or after the funds are gone?
There are other resources available to help you:
- Counseling and mental health support through 504HealthNet’s Healthy Hospitality initiative. Call 504-507-9112 or email info@504healthnet.org.
- Free legal help for things like housing or bankruptcy through Southeast Louisiana Legal Services. Call 504-503-0875 or email aadaigle@slls.org.
- Trauma recovery services through the Seeds of NOLA Trauma Recovery Center at University Medical Center. Call 504-702-4335.
- You can also check out additional resources at UnitedWaySELA.org/UnitedForNOLAResources.
Who makes this assistance possible?
The Hospitality Cares assistance is funded by United for NOLA Relief’s generous donors, including individual contributors, Gayle Benson, the NFL Foundation, the New Orleans Saints, and New Orleans & Company.