Monroe, La. — As Northeast Louisiana continues to recover from recent winter weather impacts, United Way of Northeast Louisiana is launching the Family Relief Effort to help working families stabilize after unexpected hardship.
In Northeast Louisiana, 56% of households are ALICE or below — ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families who work hard but live without a financial safety net. While emergency response efforts focus on immediate safety, many families continue to face ongoing challenges such as lost wages, higher utility costs, food replacement expenses, and transportation disruptions.
“When unexpected hardship hits, stability matters,” said Kim Lowery, President and CEO of United Way of Northeast Louisiana. “For ALICE families, even a short-term disruption can have long-lasting effects. The Family Relief Effort is focused on helping families regain their footing and move forward.”
Through the Family Relief Effort, resources will be distributed to pre-approved individuals and families, allowing them to cover urgent needs like utilities, food, or transportation — with case management provided by United Way of Northeast Louisiana.
The Family Relief Effort builds on United Way’s ongoing ALICE work and insights gained through 211, which continues to serve as a critical entry point for individuals and families seeking help across the region. As always, individuals can dial 211 to connect to available resources in their area. The call is free, confidential, and available 24/7.
Community members are encouraged to support the effort. A gift of $50 — or any amount — helps working families regain stability and prevent short-term crises from becoming long-term hardship. While donations are accepted immediately, the application for assistance process will open later today. Applicants are encouraged to check back for updates to the website.
Apply for assistance: unitedwaynela.org/family-relief-effort Make a donation: Text FAMILYRELIEF to 91999 orvisit unitedwaynela.org/family-relief-effort
For immediate help or to explore additional resources, dial 211 anytime to be connected to services currently operating in your community.
For more information about United Way of Northeast Louisiana’s work supporting ALICE families, visit unitedwaynela.org/alice.
