By Gail Brigham

For The Daily News

The Washington Parish Coalition on Human Services heard a presentation from Charlotte Champagne, executive director for United Way Southeast Louisiana, during its monthly meeting on Tuesday at Elizabeth Sullivan Memorial United Methodist Church.

Champagne said that United Way has identified a working class of people who are still struggling to make ends meet. They are close to falling into poverty. Some are childcare teachers, home health aides, mechanics, store clerks, office assistants and many more.

United Way has identified this group and hopes to give them a voice and financial assistance through United Way. To connect with United Way, contact www.unitewaysela.org. Some of the organizations funded through United Way include ADAPT, Inc., American Red Cross SELA, Bogalusa YMCA, Cancer Association of GNO, and Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans.

Representatives from Catholic Charities and FEMA shared the following information for those who have been affected by the recent flooding and need assistance, please utilize the following resources:  DisasterAssistance.gov for applying online for disaster assistance. If you need assistance with home cleanup in Louisiana and Mississippi, call 1-800-451-1954. For help with disaster benefits, SNAP, SBA and FEMA applications and appeals, mental health services, housing, home repairs, transportation and other essential services, contact Shirley Methvin at 504-460-8236. For more information about returning home after floods or other disasters and emergencies, please visit www.dhh.la.gov/emergency.

Tiffany Crain, program coordinator, reported on the Drug Free Communities grant, which has been renewed for the third year. A display was held at the Bogalusa Blues and Heritage Festival with members of the Washington Parish Youth Council. The display pushed for alcohol, drug and tobacco-free parks and recreation.

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 25, at 9:30 a.m. at Elizabeth Sullivan Memorial United Methodist Church in Bogalusa with a preliminary committee meeting at 8:30 a.m. Coffee and light refreshments will be served.

The coalition involves people who represent flood recovery, business, civic, health care professionals, law enforcement, media, parents, faith organizations, schools, state government agencies, substance abuse organizations, youth and youth serving organizations. The coalition is open to all.

To find out more about the Washington Parish Coalition on Human Services, go to www/wpchs.weebly.com or like the coalition on Facebook at WPCHS. Find and follow the coalition on Twitter (twitter.com/WPCoalitionHS) or on Instagram (www.instagram.com/adaptincorporated).

Gail Brigham is the president of the Washington Parish Coalition on Human Services.