Hospitality Industry Worker Crisis Grants

Geographic Scope: Louisiana (Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington parishes for Hospitality Cares program)

Focus Areas:

• Providing financial assistance and/or guidance to people in the hospitality industry during times of crisis
• Emergency financial assistance for basic living expenses including housing, child care, food, transportation, and health care
• One-time emergency grants to eligible employees during times of financial emergency

What They Fund:

• Housing assistance
• Utility bills
• Medical expenses
• Basic living expenses during emergencies (pandemic, hurricanes, natural disasters, business closures)

Related Programs:

• Hospitality Cares Pandemic Response Fund: Emergency crisis grants to hospitality workers unable to afford basic financial needs during COVID-19. Award up to $500 per grant. Launched March 2020.
• Hurricane Relief Program: $500 one-time grants to eligible hospitality workers impacted by hurricanes. $100,000 committed. Launched September 2021.
• South Louisiana Bar Owner Relief Fund: Support for small bar businesses in South Louisiana struggling from COVID-19 financial effects. Launched April 2020.

Organization Background:
Founded in 2006, the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation has distributed over $4.8 million in support since inception. The Foundation strengthens Louisiana's hospitality industry through support of individuals within the community.

Contact Information:

• Address: PO Box 579, Abita Springs, LA 70420
• Email: info@louisianahospitality.org
• Website: louisianahospitalityfoundation.org

Application Process

Hospitality Cares Pandemic Response Fund (launched March 2020):

Eligibility Requirements:

• Earn at or below $30,000 for an individual or $61,000 for household with children (based on region's minimum ALICE household survival budget)
• Reside in United Way of Southeast Louisiana's seven-parish service area (Jefferson, Orleans, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, Plaquemines, Tangipahoa, or Washington parishes)
• Work in a Louisiana-based restaurant, bar, or hotel between Feb. 1, 2020 and date of application
• Experiencing a financial emergency as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak

Required Supporting Documents:

• 2018 or 2019 tax return
• Government-issued ID or driver's license proving Southeast Louisiana residency
• Recent check stub showing proof of employment based on eligibility requirements

Application Submission:

1. Apply online at UnitedWaySELA.org/HospitalityCares
2. OR call 211 to complete the application over the phone
3. Applications are reviewed within 10 business days of submission

Award:

• One-time emergency grants up to $500
• Funds are limited, and approval is not guaranteed for each qualified applicant

General Application Notes:
Applications for specific crisis grant programs are reviewed on a rolling basis. Details for other crisis grant programs (Hurricane Relief, Bar Owner Relief) indicate similar application processes through the Foundation website.