United Way of Southeast Louisiana and Entergy Corporation are committing $250,000 and $200,000, respectively, to stand up the Hospitality Cares Pandemic Response Fund. They say there are over 72,000 individuals employed in hospitality and tourism industry, which accounts for about 12 percent of all workers in the region. And while this industry supports an array of income levels, many are low-wage occupations. Cash-strapped households are often forced to make impossible choices, like deciding between filling a prescription or buying groceries. They are offering a one-time award of up to $500 for hospitality and tourism workers who earn $30,000 for an individual and $61,000 for a household with children. Other criteria include they must reside in United Way of Southeast Louisiana’s seven-parish service area. They need to have worked in a Louisiana-based restaurant, bar or hotel between Feb. 1, 2020 and date of application. And they are experiencing a financial emergency as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Find out more and if you qualify at www.unitedwaysela.org/hospitalitycares.
