SHREVEPORT, La. — United Way of Northwest Louisiana is calling on residents to unite in support of local nonprofits providing food, housing and emergency assistance during the ongoing federal government shutdown.
As thousands of federal employees in Northwest Louisiana face delayed or lost paychecks, many are turning to community organizations for help meeting basic needs such as food and rent. Local food banks and agencies that serve low-income working families are already operating at or beyond capacity and struggling to meet the increased demand for assistance.
“The local nonprofits are stretched thin,” said LaToria Willis Thomas, president and chief executive officer of United Way of Northwest Louisiana. “These agencies already serve families who work hard but struggle to make ends meet. Now, with the addition of federal employees suddenly in need of help, the need for community support is more critical than ever.”…