NEW ORLEANS - City Council President Helena Moreno is proud to help support the United Way of Southeast Louisiana (UWSELA) as they work to provide emergency grants to laid-off hospitality workers. The nonprofit is providing grants up to $500 so that people can purchase food and basic necessities. The intent is to provide some much-needed dollars to these individuals and their families until additional benefits from the state and federal government take effect.

The response to the first round of grants a week ago was so tremendous, 2000 applications in 6 hours, that the application process had to be suspended. Now, UWSELA has launched a major fundraising campaign to continue providing assistance. A new video released today (see here) includes Patricia Clarkson, Wendell Pierce, New Orleans Saint Demario Davis, Norman Robinson, Tamica Lee, Nischelle Turner, Bryan Batt and Moreno advocating on behalf of hospitality workers and any amount of assistance that can be provided to them.

"These are difficult times for many of us, but even a dollar or two can make a difference to building up this fund to help those who are in desperate need right now," said Moreno.

Beginning today, Demario Davis has also agreed to match contributions that come in up to $25,000. To contribute to the Hospitality Cares Pandemic Response Fund, please visit www.unitedwaysela.org/hospitalitycares.

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Media Contact:

Andrew Tuozzolo

Chief of Staff

Office of Councilmember-at-Large Helena Moreno

AVTuozzolo@nola.gov 

(504) 281-9882