Cover the 318 raises money to put back in the community where the need is greatest. The organization currently focuses on solving the issue of chronic homelessness within Northeast Louisiana.
According to Kelsea McCrary of the Louisiana Office of Cultural Development, several volunteers, non-profits, and people in the business community came together to conceptualize around how to quickly solve the problem of chronic homelessness. "Emergency overnight sheltering has been an issue in the Monroe and West Monroe region for a long time, and Ouachita Parish serves as the hub for that first step to come off the streets," according to McCrary.
"There are tons of organizations that help people along the way to living productive, self-sustaining lives, but for that first night, that first safe night of sleep, food, and a clean space to spend the night, this is kind of serving as the gateway," says McCrary. With the Salvation Army providing overnight sheltering again, the money raised by Cover the 318 goes towards helping provide food and shelter services.
Cover the 318 asks for donations of $12.50, which provides a hot meal, a safe place to sleep, and a hot breakfast the next morning. United Way, the non-partial partner of Cover the 318, collects the donations from Cover the 318 and acts as a fiscal agent for the organization, distributing the money where it is most needed.
More information about Cover the 318 is available on the web or Facebook.