The United Way has launched the Family Relief Effort to support households facing unexpected financial hardship because of the ice storm. United Way of Northeast Louisiana President Kim Lowery says 56% of households in this part of the state already struggle to pay their bills.
“The majority of people that have asked us for assistance are people that aren’t really used to asking for assistance. They are people that get up and go to work every single day and barely make ends meet, but do make ends meet most of the time,” Lowery said.
Marketing and Communications Director Meghan Jones says they began accepting applications for financial assistance Saturday morning; and within two hours, they received 2,000 applications.
“94.2% of our applicants are requesting grocery support. And I think that that really showcases an overwhelming need,” Jones said.
Jones says to apply for assistance, go to the United Way of Northeast Louisiana’s website. She says they’re also accepting donations to help the many families who need financial support.
“Clearly, the need outweighs the resources right now. And so, we definitely need the community to come together as much as possible to help the families in our region,” Jones noted.
You can donate on the same website, or you can text FAMILYRELIEF to 91999.