Founded in 1924, the United Way of Southeast Louisiana (UWSELA) has long served as a key organization addressing the underlying causes of poverty in the area. Avenue spoke with President and CEO Michael Williamson about the organization’s centennial year and its incredible work in the local community.
Michael Williamson first became involved with the United Way as a loan executive fresh from college in Aiken County, South Carolina. During the course of his volunteer work, he learned about an intriguing family connection – the United Way was providing services to his niece with spina bifida. Williamson decided then that United Way was the sort of organization he wanted to be associated with, and he immediately took a job with them.
Having served as CEO of the UWSELA for 10 years now, Williamson’s genuine enthusiasm for his work and his team shines through. “I wish people could see the heart and soul of the organization, the staff and key volunteers,” said Williamson. “We are driving impact in meaningful ways by addressing issues such as homelessness, mental health, and more in a holistic way.”
In addition, the organization’s dynamic use of donations, foundation funding, grants, and more resources creates an efficient, effective way to address complex societal issues throughout the area. “I would daresay there is no better organization than United Way to tackle an issue such as poverty,” said Williamson. “When you give us one dollar, we magnify it in ways that are unheard-of.”
During Williamson’s tenure, the UWSELA staged a rapid response to the global pandemic. They raised $2.4 million and distributed crisis grants to over 4,800 folks in the hospitality industry who were out of work. In fact, their team was able to respond faster than the federal government in this regard.
In addition, the UWSELA attracted the attention of MacKenzie Scott and received an unrestricted gift of $10 million in 2020. The organization is utilizing this unprecedented gift to help families in the area thrive.
A new venture for the United Way of Southeast Louisiana, the Prosperity Center in New Orleans East represents a major community investment with locations in Orleans Parish, St. Tammany Parish, and Washington Parish. Designed as a one-stop-shop for integrated financial services, the center is geared toward helping community members become financially stable and independent. People may visit the center for free tax services, general financial education, and the chance to learn more about pathways to home ownership.
An estimated 260,635 households (or 49% of households across Southeast Louisiana) were unable to afford basic necessities in 2022, according to a recent report from the UWSELA and its partner, United For ALICE. More families are living paycheck-to-paycheck. That places many of these households in the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) category, or people who earn more than the Federal Poverty Level but still struggle to make ends meet.
As Williamson explained, ALICE households consist of “folks who are by every measure doing the right thing” but still not thriving financially. The goal of the Prosperity Center is to help them grow their income with limited resources. The UWSELA is now nationally known for their ability to teach these skills, and other United Way organizations throughout the country are following suit.
Williamson also stressed the importance of public policy and advocacy work for the ALICE households as well. Because fundraising alone cannot fix poverty, addressing these issues through advocacy work is crucial.
As the United Way of Southeast Louisiana celebrates its centennial, their team is in the middle of imagining their future and building plans with input from the community. Williamson’s vision is to continue their impact to eradicate poverty in the area.
Get Involved
As Williamson explained, the United Way of Southeast Louisiana welcomes anyone who wants to connect with the organization. To learn more about its opportunities, as well as ongoing projects, sign up for the e-newsletter at unitedwaysela.org/signup-updates
To get more involved, consider joining the UWSELA as a volunteer, advocate, or donor. Volunteer opportunities include everything from hurricane relief efforts
to family-friendly gardening and painting opportunities. Advocates, meanwhile, help fight for policy changes that enable local households to thrive. Lastly, donors – at any level of giving – help create lasting impact for the local community.
Contact
2401 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70119
unitedwaysela.org, info@UnitedWaySELA.org, 504-822-5540
