It’s the first of the month -- the day most people either pay the rent or the mortgage. But for thousands of Louisiana households, the coronavirus pandemic has severely limited their income.
The United Way for years has keep track of Louisiana workers who are considered "Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed." In other words -- working making enough to get by, but only barely. And two and a half weeks ago, many have had their jobs eliminated amid the pandemic.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is certainly creating a greater hardship and we’re really concerned about these households,” said United Way for Southeastern Louisiana CEO Michael Williamson.
Williamson with the United Way says the good news is, the emergency declarations have put on hold eviction and foreclosure proceedings.
“Eviction notices and pursuing that is currently not legal," said Williamson, "and so we know that will help stave off any potential evictions for folks that can’t afford to pay their rent.”
Williamson says the United way has stepped in to help as many as they can -- 2,000 households -- with $500 grants that he hopes helps them bridge the gap until the federal relief package passed by Congress last week can kick in.
Williamson said there are also about 1,100 more families waiting for the United Way to reopen applications, as soon as the United Way has enough funding. If you can help, click here for information on how to give.
.@Saints Linebacker @demario__davis is matching donations to the Hospitality Cares Pandemic Response Fund up to $25K - and we're already halfway there!Join Demario and answer the call for help by donating today ➡️ https://t.co/JVuQn81Rvy#ShowYourHospitality pic.twitter.com/lccQfl2wD7
— United Way SELA (@UnitedWaySELA) April 1, 2020
