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United Way Announces next round of fund distributions to support Bourbon Street hospitality workers
Louisiana Hospitality Foundation to administer financial assistance via Hospitality Cares
NEW ORLEANS – United Way of Southeast Louisiana (UWSELA) Monday announced $100,000 in financial assistance related to the New Year's Day attack to affected Bourbon Street hospitality workers through its Hospitality Cares partnership with the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation (LHF).
LHF will open and vet applications for aid starting Thursday, Jan. 16, at 9 a.m., providing $250 in vital relief to eligible workers in businesses along Bourbon Street, from Canal Street to Conti Street, that experienced a temporary closure or reduction in hours.
"We recognize the urgency of responding to this crisis with compassion and speed so that people don't lose hope for a brighter future ahead, and we also know the emotional toll of this trauma is significant for all those involved," said Michael Williamson, UWSELA President and CEO. "Hospitality workers are the backbone of New Orleans' economy, and we need to help them recover and continue to show that, thanks to Hospitality Cares and our generous donors, we are always there for them – no matter what."
This United for NOLA Relief Fund allocation is made possible thanks to the generous contributions of individual donors, corporate partners, New Orleans & Company, Gayle Benson, the NFL Foundation and the New Orleans Saints. The assistance is intended to help with basic care for workers in an industry where a significant portion of employees live below the region's ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Threshold. This financial vulnerability underscores why a crisis like the New Year's Day attack can have immediate and lasting effects on workers' well-being.
"The Louisiana Hospitality Foundation is proud to partner with United Way to distribute and manage the Hospitality Cares funds for the recent crisis that occurred on Bourbon Street." David Blitch, LHF President and Co-Founder Consultant. "Our priority is to get funds into the hands of hospitality team members who may have been impacted by the terrorist attack in the French Quarter."
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS*
- Work at a hospitality establishment (restaurant, hotel, bar, or related business) located on Bourbon Street from Canal Street to Conti Street
- Impacted by the business' temporary closure or reduction in hours due to the attack
- Earn at or below $31,000 as an individual or $85,000 as a household with children (figures informed by the region's minimum ALICE Household Survival Budget)
- Demonstrate a financial emergency directly resulting from the temporary closure or reduction in hours of their workplace (e.g., inability to pay rent, utilities, or other basic expenses)
To complete the application process, the following documents will be required:
- Valid government-issued ID or driver's license
- Recent pay stub to verify employment
The application will open online at UnitedWaySELA.org/HospitalityCares at 9:00 a.m. on Jan. 16 and close once funds are exhausted. Applicants will receive notification of award status within two weeks of submission.
*Due to limited funds, only one grant is permitted per household. Assistance is not guaranteed for every eligible worker.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AVAILABLE
In addition to financial aid, UWSELA is granting aid to the following local partners to help industry professionals access essential resources. These resources include:
- Counseling and mental health resources and navigation through 504HealthNet's Healthy Hospitality initiative ($25,000 United for NOLA Relief grant)
Contact: 504-507-9112 or info@504healthnet.org
- Free civil legal aid provided by Southeast Louisiana Legal Services, addressing benefits, estate planning, bankruptcy issues, eviction defense, foreclosure prevention and more ($7,500 United for NOLA Relief grant)
Contact: 504-503-0875 or aadaigle@slls.org
- Seeds of NOLA Trauma Recovery Center located in University Medical Center New Orleans, providing wraparound services to people whose lives have been disrupted by traumatic injury and violent crime ($10,000 United for NOLA Relief grant to Spirit of Charity Foundation)
Contact: 504.702.4335
Visit UnitedWaySELA.org/UnitedForNOLAResources to access additional resources.
EXPERIENCED PARTNERS DELIVERING AID
UWSELA and LHF have a proven track record of assisting hospitality workers through Hospitality Cares. The partners launched the program in 2018 to support eligible workers – those employed at a business running a United Way campaign – with grants for unexpected hardships.
During times of crisis, the partnership has the flexibility to respond at the speed of need to deliver direct aid to all industry professionals impacted by significant events such as the New Year's Day attack and the COVID-19 pandemic. By leveraging the expertise of both organizations, the program ensures that aid is distributed quickly and efficiently to those most in need.
"We know the impacts of a tragedy like this are far-reaching and not always obvious. Impacted individuals require ongoing mental health support, resources to recover and assistance navigating unanticipated hardships," added Ron McClain, UWSELA Board of Trustees Chair and Executive Director of the Institute for Mental Hygiene. "We hope this assistance is a token of love from United Way, our partners and our donors that says we're committed to walking alongside you – every step of the way – to help restore hope on your path to recovery."
Businesses interested in joining Hospitality Cares to become eligible for regular program benefits may contact?HospitalityCares@UnitedWaySELA.org?for more information. There is no fee to participate in the program.
UNITED FOR NOLA RELIEF FUND UPDATE
As of Monday, Jan. 13, UWSELA has allocated nearly $580,000 in direct aid to impacted individuals and families and community partners providing assistance related to the New Year's Day attack, including the Hospitality Cares aid. Fund totals and distribution updates are available at UnitedWaysSELA.org/UnitedForNOLAUpdates.
UWSELA's distribution strategy is prioritizing victims' and survivors' needs, the hospitality industry, mental health resources and long-term recovery. By taking a phased approach to distributions, UWSELA can ensure funds remain available to address emerging needs, with transparency and accountability at the core of every decision.
Visit UnitedWaySELA.org/UnitedforNola to contribute to United for NOLA Relief Fund.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS FROM COMMUNITY PARTNERS AND FUNDERS
Walt Leger III, President and CEO, New Orleans & Company:
"As we continue to mourn the senseless loss of life early on New Year's Day, New Orleans & Company is proud to support the United for New Orleans Relief Fund, making assistance possible for our city's hospitality professionals, especially those on Bourbon Street and in the French Quarter. Nearly 80,000 families in our area depend on the travel and tourism industry for their livelihoods. These professionals are the heart and soul of our hospitality industry, and are critical to the economic strength of the city, region and state. Our business and tourism community is united with all local, state and federal partners to ensure New Orleans remains an amazing city in which to live, work, visit and invest in. A single act of evil by an ISIS-inspired terrorist will never deter us. In fact, it has only strengthened our resolve and love for the people of this community."
Currin Wallis, Executive Director, 504HealthNet:
"504HealthNet's Healthy Hospitality initiative is proud to partner with United Way of Southeast Louisiana to ensure our city's hospitality professionals have access to quality mental health care. As New Orleans prepares for major events like the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras, we recognize that these celebrations, while vital to our city's spirit and economy, may retrigger emotional trauma for those affected by the New Year's Day attack. Together with United Way, we remain committed to supporting the well-being of the people who make our city so unique and vibrant."
Laura Tuggle, Executive Director, Southeast Louisiana Legal Services:
"Civil legal aid is an essential but often overlooked critical solution to the stabilization of hospitality workers adversely impacted by a crisis - whether it be a disaster or tragic events like the recent Bourbon Street Attack. Instability results in workers facing loss of wages, workplace legal issues, eviction, foreclosure, consumer debt problems, domestic violence, benefits, and other civil legal problems. SLLS will provide one-on-one direct civil legal aid to impacted workers and offer monthly online events and informational sessions to workers on hot legal topics."
Warren A. Bell, Jr., President Board of Trustees, Spirit of Charity Foundation:
"Every dollar donated to the NOLA Strong Fund will provide critical financial assistance for medical care and other essential resources to help them rebuild and recover."
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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.
About Louisiana Hospitality Foundation
Founded in 2006 by David Blitch, Tony Abadie, and a select group of hospitality industry leaders, the Foundation is dedicated to supporting Louisiana's hospitality industry workforce. Our community impact is delivered through two programs: Education Grants and Hospitality Industry Worker Crisis Grants. Help us help others working in one of the state's largest and most important industries. Get Involved! LouisianaHospitalityFoundation.org/Get-Involved
