UNITED WAY OF NORTHEAST LOUISIANA RESPONDS TO COVID-19 CRISIS

For over 64 years, the United Way of Northeast Louisiana has been a unifying force bringing individuals, businesses, non-profit agencies and government entities together to help provide for the most vulnerable in our community. Serving a 12-parish region, UWNELA supports over 40 programs and non-profit agencies throughout Ouachita Parish. In times of crisis, UWNELA works even harder to identify and respond to the community’s most critical needs.

On March 20th, UNWNELA launched the COVID-19 Response Fund. Meghan Jones, Marketing and Communications Coordinator for UWNELA says this fund was created to streamline contributions for COVID-19 needs in Northeast Louisiana, not only to create a coordinated and efficient process for all involved, both organizations and donors, but also to assess the greatest needs of the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’ve had so many people tell us ‘I’m still employed. I’m still able to help. How can I do that?’ Right now, we’re asking businesses and individuals that are financially able to consider giving to the COVID-19 Response Fund,” says Janet Durden, President of United Way of Northeast Louisiana. “Our ability to help is directly related to people that give to this fund. The COVID-19 Response Fund allows us to meet needs that are over and above what we are already doing year-round in the community.”

Donations to the fund are tax deductible, and all funds received will be used for COVID-19 response efforts in Northeast Louisiana. No portion of the contributions will be used for UWNELA overhead or administrative expenses.

Jones says funds will initially be used to help meet immediate basic needs for community members affected by the pandemic. Providing meals and groceries and insuring housing stability by assisting with rent or mortgage payments and utility bills will be given first priority. Over the long-term, funds will be used to support those affected citizens as they return to a level of stabilization.

“This COVID-19 Response Fund is made possible through the generous contributions of individuals and corporations over and above the vital dollars that are already being given. It is critical at this time for United Way NELA to continue its support of the essential programs we are currently funding,” says Blake Wheelis, Chair of the UWNELA Board of Directors.
One of the most valuable resources provided by the United Way statewide is the 211 system. Louisiana citizens can get instant access to the most current pandemic information available by texting LACOVID to 898-211. To reach a live specialist to discuss available help and resources, individuals can simply call 211.

“Twenty four/seven, 365 days a year, people that need to be connected to service providers can call 211. Trained specialists will talk with them, determine what their needs are, and connect them to the best resource provider for that need,” explains Durden. “People use 211 all the time, but when we have a disaster or special circumstance like this, then we go into disaster mode. The Louisiana Department of Health is using 211 throughout the state to be the communication tool for all citizens to get the newest, most up-to-date information.”

The 211 call specialists are trained to answer questions. Durden says that due to the increased volume of 211 calls and texts, UWNELA has added four additional full-time employees to its regular 211 staff. “All over the state, people are using 211 to answer their questions about COVID,” says Durden. “The United Way provides the 211 service year round. When you give to United Way, you’re supporting 211. In times of crisis, 211 can go to the next level.”

Individuals who need to sign up for the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, commonly known as “food stamps,” can do so by texting “GETSNAP” to 898-211. “We’ve heard so many people talk about the difficulty of going online to sign up. It’s really hard and there are long waits because there are so many people trying to sign up,” Durden says. “People are now able to do this by text through 211.” Through the 211 text system, applicants are connected to a direct link to access the SNAP application. In addition to new applications, users can also check on existing benefits using the 211 text system.

“So many people are facing being recently unemployed who never imagined that they would benefit from SNAP,” says Durden. “We are encouraging people to text and get the help they need, because that’s what it’s there for. Food resources are an important need that people are having trouble meeting and this can help.”

TO DONATE TO THE UWNELA COVID-19 RESPONSE FUND:
Go to www.unitedwaynela.org/relief
Text LACOVID to 91999
Mail a check or money order to United Way of Northeast Louisiana, 1201 Hudson Lane, Monroe, LA 71201