Unexpected hardship can happen to anyone. When it does, stability becomes critical.

Following recent winter weather across Northeast Louisiana, many working families are still dealing with lingering financial strain. Lost wages, rising utility costs, food replacement, and transportation disruptions have created challenges that do not disappear once the storm passes. For households already living without a financial safety net, these setbacks can quickly become overwhelming.

According to United Way of Northeast Louisiana, 56 percent of households in the region are ALICE or below. ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. These are individuals and families who work hard but still struggle to cover basic needs. When an unexpected event occurs, even a short disruption can threaten their stability.

To help address these urgent needs, United Way of Northeast Louisiana has launched the Family Relief Effort, a community driven initiative designed to support working families facing sudden hardship.

What the Family Relief Effort Provides

The Family Relief Effort offers short term assistance to help families regain stability and move forward. Support may include help with essential needs such as:

• Utility assistance
• Food replacement
• Transportation related expenses

Eligible individuals and families can learn more and apply for assistance online. For immediate help or guidance on available resources, assistance is also available by dialing 211 at any time or by texting a ZIP code to 898-211, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Help is available, and no one has to navigate these challenges alone.

How the Community Can Help

Community support plays a vital role in making relief efforts possible. Donations to the Family Relief Effort help provide direct assistance for urgent needs while also connecting families with longer term support through United Way of Northeast Louisiana.

A contribution of $25 or any amount can make a meaningful difference during a moment of crisis and remind families that their community stands behind them.

Why Awareness Matters

At Creed & Creed, we believe that strong communities are built on awareness, compassion, and action. Sharing information about available resources can be just as impactful as financial support. Many families may not realize help exists or may be hesitant to ask.

By spreading awareness of the Family Relief Effort, we can help ensure that those who need assistance know where to turn and that those who are able to help know how to do so.

To learn more, apply for assistance, or make a donation, visit: https://www.unitedwaynela.org/family-relief-effort

Together, Northeast Louisiana can continue supporting working families through unexpected hardship and toward renewed stability.