Updated January 12, 2021
Funds for this program are limited and may have already run out. However, as the program gets more funding, those who applied earlier may have priority as funds are awarded again.
Workers who meet all of the following requirements are eligible:
Worked more than 32 hours per week in restaurants, bars, or hotels before March 9, 2020 in the following parishes:
Have minor children (under 18 years) and/or other qualified dependents
Whose total Household Income was at or below these amounts, by parish:
*Must be at least a household of 2 for the program.
*Applicants who have previously received funding are ineligible.
The Greater New Orleans Foundation Service and Hospitality Family Assistance Program.
You can apply online at https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=gnofscholarship.
You will need to provide:
You can watch a video on how to apply at this website.
Scanning Your Required Documents
To submit your documents electronically, you will need to scan them. You can do this from your phone or tablet. You will need a device with a working camera and can download a free scanner app from the Google Play store (if you have an Android device) or App Store (if you have an iPhone/Apple device).
The app will ask if you want to save the scan. It’s a good idea to save the scanned document to your device so you have the documents ready to send.
Applications are reviewed within 10 days after they are submitted. If you are approved for the grant, payments are made within 14 days after approval.
You can send questions to this email address: assistance@gnof.org.
The information provided on this post does not, and is not intended to, represent legal advice. All information available on this site is for general informational purposes only.
If you need legal help, you should contact a lawyer. You may be eligible for our free legal services and can apply by calling our Covid Legal Hotline at 1-844-244-7871 or applying online here.
When Estelle* walked into our office, she was distraught. At 66 years old, after working hard her entire life, she suddenly faced the possibility of losing her home and her savings. Her health was deteriorating and since she received only $800 a month in retirement, she didn’t have enough money to get another apartment. She was scared she would end up sleeping on the streets. Most frustrating, Estelle knew she had done nothing wrong.
Estelle had worked for her previous employer for over 10 years. She did odd jobs on her boss’ properties and helped get them in shape for inspections. Her employer always paid her in cash and sometimes withheld some of her earnings to help her save for big expenses. This relationship worked well for both of them. About five years ago, her employer offered a new arrangement – the opportunity to lease-to-own one of his properties. She was excited about the possibility of owning her own home and the stability it would provide. She looked forward to aging in place there. Her boss said she could use $10,000 of the money he had “saved” for her to put towards the down payment. Then the plan was for her boss to withhold part of her pay to cover the monthly rent. Estelle was thrilled. She signed a 30-year lease with option to purchase her new home.
The arrangement was great for the first couple of years. Then Estelle’s bosses who co-owned the business employing Estelle started fighting with each other. There was disagreement on who owned the business and how to dissolve the business assets. Estelle wound up being fired and then served with an eviction notice accusing her of not paying the rent. On top of that, they denied they owed her any money for her past work. That’s when Estelle called SLLS.
Attorneys from SLLS’s Employment and Housing Units teamed up to help Estelle. Getting justice for Estelle took months and several court appearances. More than once, Estelle thought about giving up. She found the legal process confusing and frustrating. The stress of the situation was taking a toll on her health. Without SLLS, Estelle could not have afforded to have an attorney. With SLLS by her side, she continued to fight for what she knew was right. In the end, the court dismissed the eviction and Estelle got to keep her home. The court also found ordered the employers to pay Estelle $23,000 in unpaid wages. Now Estelle’s doesn’t have to worry about losing her home and her future is secure.
*Our client's name has been changed to protect her identity.
PLEASE NOTE BEFORE READING: The names and other identifying information of the individuals portrayed were changed to protect our client’s identity.
Gene hoped to build a better life for himself. When he was a teenager he was charged with a misdemeanor and was sent to jail. After his release, Gene struggled to make a living for himself. While he was qualified for a job at a large Downtown New Orleans Hotel chain the employer refused to accept his job application since he had a criminal background. Gene felt defeated and didn’t know what to do. It seemed as though he would never be able to escape the mistakes of his past.
Then Gene came to Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (SLLS). His SLLS attorney determined he was eligible for an expungement. An expungement would seal his criminal record from public view so it cannot be used against him in the employment or housing application process. SLLS also referred him to our partners at the STRIVE Future Leaders program for job training. Thanks to these efforts, Gene got his record expunged and gained more jobs skills.
When Gene re-applied for the hotel job, his SLLS attorney went with him to advocate for him and help the employer understand the expungement process. The employer reconsidered Gene’s application and decided to give Gene a chance. Now Gene is working full time and making a good living wage, with opportunities for internal advancement. With a stable source of income, he is providing for his minor child and has reunited with his family. Today, Gene is a community leader showing others that mistakes made in the past can be overcome.