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BATON ROUGE – United Ways across Louisiana and the Louisiana Association of United Ways are launching a statewide survey to assess the economic impact the COVID-19 crisis has had on Louisiana families. All Louisiana families are invited to complete the United Way Louisiana survey at https://www.launitedway.org/COVID19-Impact. Individual responses are confidential and should take about 10 minutes to complete.

“Every Louisiana family has felt the impact of COVID-19. In uncertain times like these, there is no better way to create pathways forward than to be grounded in knowledge gathered from the people we serve,” said Sarah Berthelot, Louisiana Association of United Ways President and CEO.

Before COVID-19, one in four Louisiana households were led by workers unable to earn enough to cover the basics and save for unexpected crisis or a job loss. The crisis has stripped available assets and repositioned families into unfamiliar financial positions. The survey seeks information on a variety of topics like most pressing concerns, job changes, childcare challenges and other economic changes. One questions asked on the survey is:

What are you concerned about in the weeks and months ahead? (Check all that apply)

• The economic health of my community
• Paying rent/mortgage
• You or a loved one getting COVID19
• Children’s well-being, remote learning
• Adequate child care
• Getting food and other things I need
• Mental health issue (e.g., depression, addiction, anxiety)
• Medical issues other than COVID19
• Paying other bills
• Attending church or other social gatherings
• Other. Please specify. 

“On a daily basis, United Ways throughout Louisiana work hard to serve those suffering from the loss of basic needs and sense of security due to the workforce interruptions,” said Berthelot. “As we respond to the immediate needs, United Ways are thinking ahead to the next phase of recovery and what will be needed most to help get families back on track.

This survey is being conducted at zero cost, thanks to a network of volunteer experts, including Dr. Steven Dick, member of the Louisiana ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Research Advisory Committee, and advisory assistance provided by the United For ALICE team.

“Entergy is deeply concerned about the recovery road ahead for Louisiana families. As a longtime partner of United Way and state sponsor of the ALICE report, we recognize the importance of seeking out a deeper understanding of the challenges at this point in time for our state,” said Patty Riddlebarger, Entergy vice president of Corporate Social Responsibility. “Entergy uses these insights to improve the ways we help our communities and customers prosper.”

“If you’ve felt the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we would appreciate your taking the time to complete the 10-minute survey,” Berthelot said. “United Way wants to listen and learn so we can best help.”

– Submitted by Jan Risher