Advocacy - Community Strengthening | Louisiana Association of United Ways

Community Strengthening -
Building community capacity to advance the common good

LAUW supports measures that:

Provide a voice and identity for ALICE by providing research-based data on the economic vitality of Louisiana households
ALICE, which stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, gives a name to a large population of hard-working residents who work at low-paying jobs, have little or no savings, and are one emergency from falling into poverty.

The ALICE Report for Louisiana is a comprehensive research-based tool designed to help policymakers navigate decisions impacting the economic vitality of hard-working Louisiana families. This groundbreaking study features statewide and hyperlocal data, including district level information on poverty levels, housing affordability, and number of ALICE households.

LAUW leads the ALICE Project for Louisiana. To access the full report, state interactive parish map and parish resources, click here.

Strengthen, leverage the functionality and increase funding supports of Louisiana 211
Investments to build the capacity for Louisiana 211 create a win-win for our state, our communities, and our citizens. Public investments could equate into cost-savings for the state by reducing the number of Information and Referral contracts with various vendors and leveraging the grass-roots capabilities of regional 211 providers.

Louisiana 211 acts as a front-line servant to Louisiana citizens seeking information and resources to meet needs. Every day, someone somewhere in Louisiana dials 211 seeking help. Callers are looking for resources like clothing, food, or programs for their families. Louisiana 211 listens to their needs and provides available resources. Citizens can easily access 211 – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, even during disasters. Over the past 2 years, more than 375,000 people throughout Louisiana called 211 to seek assistance.

LAUW is eager to work with the State of Louisiana to build the capacity of the Louisiana 211 Statewide Network and ensure all have access to high-quality 2-1-1 services.

LAUW provides backbone support to the Louisiana 211 state network and leadership to the Louisiana 211 Coordinating Council.

For more information about Louisiana 211, click here.

Louisiana tax payers can provide check-off box donations using the Louisiana Tax Returns. LAUW receives these donations to benefit Louisiana 211.