Resiliency Center
The Resiliency Center’s First Anniversary
One Year of Building a More Resilient Southeast Louisiana
The United Way of Southeast Louisiana Resiliency Center founded by Rebuilding Together New Orleans, is a permanent home for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts in our region. This storm-hardened headquarters for RTNO brings leading nonprofits together under one roof to better serve families before, during, and after disasters.
United Way of Southeast Louisiana has more than a century of experience supporting our neighbors in times of crisis. We mobilize resources quickly and efficiently to meet urgent needs while helping families recover and rebuild.
The Resiliency Center’s First Anniversary
One Year of Building a More Resilient Southeast Louisiana
Participants
Programs & Events
Direct Financial
Assistance
During Crisis
One Year of Impact
Explore the Resiliency Center’s first year of strengthening preparedness, partnership and community resilience across Southeast Louisiana.
One Year of Building a More Resilient Southeast Louisiana
Year
Programs & Events
Workshop Participants
Kits Assembled and Distributed
in Impact
One Year
of Impact
See what the Resiliency Center and its partners accomplished during its first year.
The Resiliency Center
Turns One
Explore the Center’s first year of strengthening preparedness, partnership and community resilience across Southeast Louisiana.
Free Disaster
Preparedness Kits
Beginning September 1, free preparedness kits will be available to help local families prepare before disaster strikes. Available while supplies last.
Redefining Resilience
We understand that for many families, “resilience” has too often meant surviving on their own after disasters caused or worsened by poor planning and disparities.
This center changes that.
- Resilience here is proactive and community-driven – not a burden placed on families.
- Our goal is to make households resilient on their own terms, giving them tools, information, and support to prepare, withstand, and recover with dignity.
- Resilience should mean strength and choice, not survival by necessity.
Our Services at the Resiliency Center
In Blue Skies
Preparing Our Community
- Preparedness Workshops – Learn how to protect your family, home, and finances. A full calendar will be available at Resiliency-Center.org
- Financial Stability Support – Referrals for financial capability programs and workforce training through UWSELA’s Prosperity Centers
- Resource Access – Information and referral services to connect residents with local agencies
- New Year’s Day Attack Support – Coordinating case management and connecting survivors to referral resources specifically available for those impacted by the 1/1 attack
- Community Engagement – Join year-round volunteer recruitment and training programs
In Gray Skies
Responding When It Matters Most
- Rapid Aid Distribution – Supplies like food, water, hygiene kits, and generators staged on-site for quick deployment
- Recovery Navigation – Support with FEMA, insurance, and relief applications
- Trained Volunteer Deployment – Coordinated teams for cleanup and relief efforts
Additional Services:
- Walk-in and appointment intake (schedule available September)
- Free income tax preparation (VITA) site available 1–2 days per week, January through April
- Visit our calendar for upcoming workshops
How You Can Get Involved
This work is powered by community support and partners like Verizon, who invest in strengthening Louisiana’s disaster preparedness and response. Corporate partners, individuals, and donors interested in supporting this work can contact Michelle Payne at MichelleP@UnitedWaySELA.org.
DISASTER RESOURCES
When disasters happen, we are here to help communities get back on their feet.
United Way of Southeast Louisiana is here before, during, and after disasters. When a disaster strikes, your gift helps families get back in their homes, rebuild schools and businesses, and give our vulnerable neighbors the care they need. United Way works with local organizations to thoughtfully build strategies to create resilient communities.
RESOURCES
- Emotional Support – Disaster Distress Helpline (videophone service available for American Sign Language users) – Click here or call 1-800-985-5990
- To register your organization’s services, visit Crisis Cleanup
- American Red Cross – download mobile phone app – Stay safe during emergencies with expert tips & useful tools
- Southeast Louisiana Legal Services Disaster Helpline (free legal service): 1-844-244-7871
- For non-emergencies, call 2-1-1
- Weather Ready: Disaster Preparedness Workshop
- Generator Safety Tips
Honoring the 14 lives lost, survivors, the community & first responders in the Bourbon Street Terrorist Attack.
In partnership with Verizon, our Disaster Preparedness Workshops gave participants the opportunity to receive hands-on training, create personalized emergency plans, and gain access to vital resources to stay safe this hurricane season.
Now, you can benefit from the same expert guidance. Watch the workshop and get storm-ready today.
Disaster Preparedness Workshops
In partnership with Verizon, our Disaster Preparedness Workshops gave participants the opportunity to receive hands-on training, create personalized emergency plans, and gain access to vital resources to stay safe this hurricane season.
Now, you can benefit from the same expert guidance. Watch the workshop and get storm-ready today.
Upcoming Workshops
A special thank you to our speakers, Stephanie Kinlock, Verizon, Phil Grigsby, NOAA Federal, LaToya Ratcliff, United Way of Southeast Louisiana, Chris Cameron, HandsOn New Orleans, and our host Michelle Clarke Payne.
Everyone that spoke was very informative and gave great info for future hurricanes and how to handle it.
~Workshop Participant
In July 2024, UWSELA and Verizon partnered to deploy a pilot of Hyfi’s innovative stormwater detection sensors in New Orleans, the first U.S. market to benefit. These workshops are bridging the gap between official emergency responses and community preparedness, furthering the organizations’ commitment to empowering self-reliance before emergencies.
STAY PREPARED
United Way SELA encourages residents to 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 residents to a community resources specialist who will help pinpoint critical aid available locally.
Your community needs you. Donate now.
OUR PROGRAMS
United Way offers a variety of options for people to support their community, whether through donations, advocacy, corporate partnerships, or joining one of our groups.
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