Louisa Community Emergency Fund (LCEF)

Mission: The Louisa Community Emergency Fund (LCEF) assists Louisa County residents with the basic needs of daily living during a crisis situation, while providing education and referral services that will help them become more self-sufficient.

Organizational History

The Louisa Community Emergency Fund emerged from collaborative efforts within the Louisa County community. The organization's roots trace back to board members attending Louisa County Interagency Council (LCIC) meetings, which foster partnerships, share information and resources, and collaborate to promote and develop community-centered services. LCIC recognized the value of faith-based organizations in 2013, forming the Faith in ACTION subcommittee. This subcommittee's mission is to identify ways to improve communications between Louisa County agencies and residents through churches and to provide ways for churches to share information and maximize resources. The committee organizes two Gatherings each year to bring faith-based groups together with service providers and non-profits to share information.

At a 2014 Gathering, a critical need was identified to provide emergency assistance for certain basic living expenses (primarily rent/mortgage payments) for folks in crisis. The Faith in ACTION Committee researched many Christian emergency fund models in other communities. After discussions with local partners including Goshen Baptist Association, Louisa Resource Council, Louisa Department of Human Services (DHS), and MACAA, the committee determined the need to form a NEW non-profit organization to handle this emergency fund.

LCEF was officially recognized as a non-stock corporation in Virginia as of May 12, 2015. In June 2015, the IRS recognized LCEF as a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation.

Impact and Accomplishments

Since beginning to accept requests for assistance in November 2015, LCEF has helped over 800 local families in crisis. Through local community support with donations and grants, the organization has provided over $300,000 in financial support. Many neighbors continue to struggle to cover their expenses as housing costs continue to rise. LCEF remains committed to helping those who are in a crisis find ways to improve their lives.

Services Provided

Financial Assistance Programs

Housing Assistance: LCEF provides financial assistance with rent or mortgage payments for qualified applicants who have experienced a recent crisis affecting their ability to cover basic living expenses. The organization covers a portion of the payment for one month.

Utility Assistance: The organization helps with basic utilities including heating, cooling, and water bills for those experiencing financial hardship due to a crisis.

Referral Services

For assistance with other basic items like food or clothing, LCEF refers clients to partner organizations who provide those services.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for assistance from LCEF, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Residency: Applicants must be residents of Louisa County
2. Recent Crisis: Applicants must have experienced a recent crisis that has affected their ability to cover basic living expenses

Application Process

For Rent or Mortgage Assistance:

• Applicants should call 540-500-8530 Monday through Thursday from 9am-1pm
• Intake partners at Goshen Baptist Association will take applications over the phone
• They will determine qualification and help with the application process
• Application forms are available in both English and Spanish

For Electric Bill Assistance:

• MACAA continues to handle requests for electric bill assistance
• Applicants can call MACAA at 434-987-2408
• Online applications are available at https://www.macaa.org/emergencyassistance

Success Stories

LCEF's impact is best illustrated through the stories of those they've helped. One particularly moving example involves a client who lost her husband suddenly, who had been the sole financial provider. Days later, she was diagnosed with cancer and needed to start treatment. She lives with her elderly father. With the funeral expenses from her husband and dealing with her new diagnosis, they fell behind on rent and received an eviction notice. Working with partnering agencies, LCEF and Goshen were able to get their rent caught up. When she found out LCEF would be able to help, she said that was "the best news" and she "hasn't seen dad smile like that in months."

Governance and Leadership

LCEF is governed by a dedicated board of 10 volunteers, including:
- Rev. Larry Lewis
- Lin Kogle
- Duane Sergent
- Joyce Osburn
- Joy Dickens
- Susan Utt
- Tom Ronksley
- Eunice Baskfield
- Lola Richardson
- Crysti Hopkins

These board members work tirelessly to help local folks in crisis.

Community Support and Partnerships

LCEF works closely with several partner organizations including:
- Goshen Baptist Association
- Louisa Resource Council
- MACAA
- Louisa County Department of Human Services
- BurstWave Foundation

Fundraising and Volunteer Opportunities

The organization relies on donations from individuals, businesses, churches, and civic groups to provide assistance. Their goal is for at least 95% of donations to go directly to neighbors in crisis. As a 501(c)(3) organization, donations to LCEF are tax deductible.

LCEF also seeks volunteers to help with:
- Database maintenance
- Grant writing
- Fundraising

Recognition and Community Feedback

The value of LCEF's work is recognized throughout the community. One church group that donated wrote: "There is no doubt in our minds that LCEF is providing a much needed and valuable service to the residents of Louisa County. The work you do on a regular basis to help those less fortunate in our community is truly amazing. Your efforts are gifts from God to the ones who need it."