United Health Foundation Pledges $500,000 to Support Vulnerable Louisiana Residents Amid COVID-19 Emergency
April 09 2020 - 10:00AM
Business Wire
Partnerships with Covenant House New Orleans
and Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans are part of
initial $50 million commitment from UnitedHealth Group to fight
COVID-19 and support impacted communities
The United Health Foundation has committed $500,000 to provide
urgent assistance to Louisiana residents experiencing homelessness
and food insecurity as they face unprecedented hardships during the
COVID-19 pandemic. The partnerships with Covenant House New Orleans
and Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans are part of
UnitedHealth Group’s (NYSE: UNH) previously announced initial $50
million commitment to fight COVID-19 and support those most
directly impacted, including health care workers, hard-hit
communities, seniors and people experiencing homelessness and food
insecurity.
“The COVID-19 public health emergency has compounded the many
challenges faced by Louisiana’s most vulnerable residents, such as
those experiencing homelessness, hunger or food insecurity,” said
Warren Murrell, chief executive officer, Peoples Health and
UnitedHealthcare Government Programs, Louisiana. “Our partnerships
with Covenant House New Orleans and Second Harvest Food Bank of
Greater New Orleans will provide critical aid to communities who
need it most.”
The partnerships in Louisiana include:
- $250,000 to Covenant House New Orleans to provide food,
clothing, shelter, medical attention, counseling and job placement
to more than 200 homeless young people 24 hours a day, seven days a
week; and
- $250,000 to Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New
Orleans to purchase, transport and deliver meals and grocery
boxes for children, seniors and families.
“Covenant House is on the front lines of the pandemic, serving
as the last line of defense for our community’s most vulnerable
young people. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are caring
for over 200 youth and children — the most in our history,” said
James R. Kelly, executive director, Covenant House New Orleans.
“Our partnership with the United Health Foundation will help to
ensure that, during this crisis, no matter how many at-risk youth
knock on our door, there will always be room for one more.”
“One in five households in South Louisiana are at risk of
hunger. As unemployment skyrockets and schools remain closed, the
demand on food pantries is increasing,” said Natalie Jayroe,
president and chief executive officer, Second Harvest Food Bank of
Greater New Orleans. “The generous support from the United Health
Foundation will allow us to provide meals to children, seniors and
families who are in critical need.”
UnitedHealth Group, including UnitedHealthcare, Optum and the
United Health Foundation, has a long history of addressing
homelessness and food insecurity — key determinants of health among
vulnerable populations in Louisiana and across the country. The
United Health Foundation recently announced $5 million in national
partnerships with the National Health Care for the Homeless
Council, the Feeding America network of member food banks, and
Meals on Wheels America as part of its commitment to fight COVID-19
and support impacted communities.
About Covenant House New Orleans
For 30 years, Covenant House has offered a lifeline for at-risk
and homeless youth, recognizing their inherent goodness and
boundless potential. Covenant House New Orleans is open 24 hours a
day, seven days a week. Much more than “just a shelter,” CHNOLA
provides supportive counseling, case management and all the tools
needed to help youth become independent, productive members of our
community.
About Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans
Second Harvest Food Bank leads the fight against hunger in South
Louisiana by providing food access, advocacy, education and
disaster response. Second Harvest provides food and support to 700+
community partners and programs across 23 parishes. Staff and
volunteers distribute the equivalent of more than 32 million meals
to 210,000+ people a year.
About UnitedHealth Group
UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) is a diversified health care
company dedicated to helping people live healthier lives and
helping to make the health system work better for everyone.
UnitedHealth Group offers a broad spectrum of products and services
through two distinct platforms: UnitedHealthcare, which provides
health care coverage and benefits services; and Optum, which
provides information and technology-enabled health services. For
more information, visit UnitedHealth Group at
www.unitedhealthgroup.com or follow @UnitedHealthGrp on
Twitter.
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version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200409005213/en/
Angela Richmond, UnitedHealthcare (404) 309-2697
angela_richmond@uhc.com
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