United Way Southwest Louisiana's Community Resiliency impact area focuses on addressing immediate needs while fostering long-term stability for individuals and families in the region. By identifying and responding to pressing challenges, such as access to healthcare, education, and financial support, the organization aims to empower communities to thrive. Initiatives under this impact area provide essential resources and cultivate a sense of solidarity among residents, ensuring that everyone can contribute to and benefit from a healthier, more resilient community. Through collaborative efforts with local partners, United Way is committed to building a brighter, more sustainable future for all.

Whether someone is a victim of a disaster or other type of personal crisis, supportive services help meet people’s basic needs. Through United Way Southwest Louisiana partnerships and funded programs, these services provide a crucial safety net for vulnerable populations to quickly access help and receive the support they need to have a better quality of life, both now and in the future.

OUR GOAL

Decrease the number of individuals or families in crisis

OUR FOCUS

Addressing urgent needs today and advancing a better tomorrow

OUR PRIORITY AREAS

• Crisis Relief & Recovery
• Emergency Preparedness
• Resource Line & Support

United Way of Southwest Louisiana was the recipient of the 2022 Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Award (LEPA) for our work before and after COVID-19, Hurricane Laura, Hurricane Delta and Winter Storm Uri. 

We are the fiscal agent for Southwest Louisiana Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (SWLA VOAD) still working on getting community members into safe homes.

We have partnerships with the City of Lake Charles, Lake Charles Police Department, Calcasieu Parish School Board, Calcasieu Parish Police Jury and Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office.

We are the Chair of Calcasieu Prisoner Reentry Coalition

We are a NOAA Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador

United Way of Southwest Louisiana has the ability to initiate projects independently in each of our four focus areas. These Initiatives address important community needs not already being met that we have identified as critical needs. They can be used to address emergency needs during times of natural disasters or critical community needs not being met by our partner agencies.

United Way Southwest Louisiana can act immediately when a community need is met. If the need is not necessary for long-term goals that are part of the United Way strategy, the Initiative can be inactive until needed in the future.