As COVID-19 swept the nation and unemployment began to reach staggering heights, the housing crisis quickly escalated, leaving Americans seeking aid. Residents throughout the Gulf Coast region have been faced with the threat of evictions and the lack of funds to pay for housing, but many are receiving a lifeline.
Over the past month, Hancock Whitney donated $720,000 to 25 non-profit organizations to fund housing assistance and legal services that provide critical eviction services for households facing hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds will aid those who have experienced job loss, furlough, or a reduction in hours of work or pay due to the pandemic.With the eviction moratorium ending in some states in June, the need to assist members of our local communities is imminent. Our hope is that these funds will provide stability to community members by helping make ends meet as well as assist others with legal services in eviction actions who may not be able to navigate the legal system. To date, funds provided by Hancock Whitney have assisted more than 500 families with eviction services and more than 900 families with rental relief in their time of need.