OneRouge Community Check-In: Week 247

On My Momma Series: Resources for All

Beyond Band-Aids and Into Action

This week’s OneRouge call marked the end of the powerful “On My Momma” series, which centered the experiences and needs of women in Louisiana. The final session focused on “Resources for All,” diving into how systemic barriers—like language access, housing discrimination, and social stigma—create daily struggles for families, especially for women, immigrants, and those living in poverty. A dramatized video showing a medical patient unable to receive care due to a language barrier sparked urgent conversation about accountability in public systems and the cost of inaction.

Participants shared stories of navigating broken systems—where affordable housing is scarce, shelters exclude families with teenage boys, and the working poor are disqualified from assistance due to unrealistic documentation demands. Immigrant and Indigenous speakers highlighted the added weight of cultural erasure and the urgent need for multilingual, culturally competent outreach. Despite limited resources, community members emphasized the power of collaboration and peer-led support, with examples of mentorship programs, emergency partnerships, and neighborhood-based resource fairs.

The call closed with a rallying cry: voting is a tool for real change. From local shelters to federal immigration policy, elections shape access and equity. Participants were encouraged to invite others to future calls, take part in upcoming events, and prepare for a major announcement at OneRouge’s 250th call. The message was clear—lasting change requires more than compassion; it takes strategy, solidarity, and showing up consistently for the people and places we care about.

Notes

3/28/25 Meeting Overview

This meeting was a dynamic and engaging session filled with insightful discussions on key issues affecting our community. Topics ranged from affordable housing challenges, including limited shelter space, strict rental requirements, and barriers like lack of documentation or stable employment. Many families fear seeking help due to immigration status, domestic violence, or child protective concerns. The cycle of poverty—driven by generational trauma, mental health struggles, and financial instability—was also a key focus, highlighting the need for support systems like case management and advocacy. Systemic failures, including resource shortages and policy gaps, often delay or deny services, emphasizing the urgent need for more family shelters, especially for those with older male children.

Key Discussion Points

Affordable Housing Challenges:

• Limited shelter space for families and women.

• Strict requirements for rentals exclude those in poverty.

• Lack of documentation, credit history, or stable employment creates barriers.

• Families often fear seeking help due to immigration status, domestic violence, or child protective concerns.

• Cycle of Poverty:

  • Generational trauma, lack of confidence, and mental health concerns are major obstacles.

  • Upfront housing costs, unrealistic wage expectations, and eviction history all compound the problem.

  • Support systems like long-term case management, mental health education, and advocacy are key.

• Systemic Failures:

  • Widespread lack of resources—not just a distribution issue, but a funding and policy problem.

  • Current systems often delay or deny services to those who need them most.

  • Need for more shelters for families, especially those with older male children.

• Community-Driven Solutions

  • Building collaborative support networks to provide:

    • Emergency shelter (e.g., hotel partnerships).

    • Group workshops (e.g., parenting, fire safety, time management).

    • Peer mentorship among women and caregivers.

  • Expanding outreach and creating shared resource directories.

  • Emphasizing culturally relevant support, including multilingual services and safe spaces.

  
  

  Immigrant & Indigenous Perspectives

  • Language access remains a critical barrier, especially for non-Spanish-speaking immigrants.

  • Community members are navigating systemic neglect, racialized assumptions, and economic instability while being criminalized.

  • Emphasis on solidarity, safety, and intentional community building.

  • Urged service providers to adapt internal practices to genuinely include and support marginalized communities.

  
  

Action Items

• Voting matters: Local, state, and federal elections have direct impacts on housing, healthcare, immigration, and access to resources.

• Participants encouraged to vote in the special election on March 29.

• Mobilization efforts should include civic education, transportation, and resource sharing.

Closing Remarks

The meeting reinforced that meaningful change starts with us. Through advocacy, education, and community support, we can drive progress and create a more resilient, empowered society. Let’s continue these conversations, take action, and work together toward a better future.

🔔 Next Steps: Stay engaged, get involved, and keep pushing for positive change. Meeting adjourned!

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