Making Them Gasp: A Big Win on the Gulf Coast

Board members of the Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA) collectively gasped when they heard that hotel and restaurant employees in Louisiana have to spend, on average, 86 percent of their income on rent. Eighty-six percent!?

Then the LRA decided to significantly reduce cuts to the small rental assistance program. That program's budget will now only be cut by $2.5 million, instead of the originally planned $12 million. Furthermore, the LRA decided not to cut anything at all from the program that provided assistance to the homeless and citizens with special needs. Bravo, LRA.

Big congratulations are in order for UUSC program partner the Jeremiah Group. With their tireless, smart lobbying, the Jeremiah Group was able to convince decision makers that rebuilding a just and equitable community means supporting the most fragile and making it possible for the workers to afford to live somewhere.

It's a long road home, but with the hard work of the Jeremiah Group, more people are getting closer to the front door.