IMMEDIATE RESPONSE TO COVID-19
United Way of Northwest Louisiana fights for health, education, financial stability and essential needs. While the long-term effects of the COVID-19 crisis are not yet known, United Way continues to offer services in real-time to our community. Now, more than ever, these programs are a lifeline to those in need.
Volunteers Needed!
Volunteers are an essential need during times of crisis. On March 16th, Mayor Adrian Perkins has asked United Way of Northwest Louisiana to provide the official online volunteer platform for the City of Shreveport. Volunteers will be vital in providing support to our most vulnerable and at-risk populations over the coming weeks by performing activities such as meal-packing or food delivery. Sign up to volunteer with United Way today!
Have Questions? Get Answers.
Louisiana 211 is partnering with the Louisiana Department of Health to share the latest information related to COVID-19. 211 also continues to connect individuals who have health and human service needs with the governmental and non-profit resources.
Prescription Discount Card
FamilyWize is a prescription assistance program that helps reduce the burden of prescription costs and connects the insured and uninsured with manufacturer's coupons. Click here to get your free card, compare prescription costs and download the free app (iPhone and Android).
Free Tax Preparations
During this time, we understand that life doesn’t stop. This includes taxes. To ensure a timely filing during this year’s tax season, MyFreeTaxes.com can help you with your tax needs remotely. MyFreeTaxes.com is a free , o nline self-prep platform to file both your federal and state returns.

United Way is monitoring and actively collaborating with our IRS partners to bring you the most timely and accurate information regarding filing and extensions. For more information in real-time, please visit  https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus
Mobile Banking
During this difficult time, it is necessary to be both safe and able to conduct necessary financial activities. As a coalition, BankOn Northwest Louisiana highly encourages clients/customers to utilize mobile banking for paying bills and financial transactions. Many of our partners offer this feature and will help you setup automatic services, such as bill pay. If you don’t have a bank account, our partners offer an affordable or no cost account to handle your financial needs. Click here, for more information.
COVID-19 WILL HAVE LONG-TERM EFFECTS

We are all aware of the primary effects of a public health crisis of this nature, but it is the secondary consequences that possess the potential to cause significant harm to the core of United Way’s work and the individuals we serve.

Older adults and people with chronic medical conditions are high-risk populations. This is why we’re encouraging all individuals to take preventative actions, such as self-quarantining, minimizing public gatherings, and closing businesses, to avoid exposure and help flatten the virus's transmission curve.

These preventative actions are designed to address the immediate threat of COVID-19; however, the long-term outcomes of these preventative actions are not known and pose a major threat to  ALICE® (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) .

Click here to continue reading Dr. Bruce Willson, United Way of Northwest Louisiana's President & CEO, discuss the long-term effects COVID-19 will have on the ALICE population.
COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Community Foundation of North Louisiana is closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation and receiving alerts on a local, state, and national level. As we are receiving new information almost hourly, it may take a number of days to adequately assess the community’s immediate needs. Now more than ever, we are concerned about Northwest Louisiana’s most vulnerable citizens. We are also concerned about you, our area's vital nonprofits, and your ability to continue your work during this difficult time. That being the case, we ask that you help us assess both your needs and the needs of the community. 
 
We are asking our nonprofit partners to complete the survey, as well. Community Foundation asks that each nonprofit designate an appropriate person at the nonprofit to respond to the survey. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to email [email protected] .
 
Once the information is shared, United Way of Northwest Louisiana will add the information gathered into the 211 database. This will ensure that information on available resources are updated and shared in real-time.

JOIN IN THE FIGHT
As COVID-19 continues to upend our day-to-day lives, United Way's 211 program has been a resource of information for those with questions about the virus. Now, more than ever, we need your support to help us continue to provide resources and information to those who need it most. To make a gift in support of individuals struggling as a result of COVID-19, please see the details below. We truly thank each and every one of you who choose to give of your time, talent and treasure, to mitigate the damage caused by this crisis.
Contributions can be mailed to:
United Way of NWLA
820 Jordan Street, Suite 370
Shreveport, LA 71101

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