NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — City of New Orleans leaders launched a new program to address homelessness in the city.
In a news conference on Friday, Feb. 23, city leaders announced the “Home for Good New Orleans” initiative that will provide resources to help members of the unhoused population transition into housing.
The program is supported by donations and provides things like furniture, cooking utensils and cleaning supplies, as well as money for security deposits and other fees.
The program was developed through a partnership between:
- New Orleans and Company
- UNITY of Greater New Orleans
- Greater New Orleans Foundation
- United Way Southeast Louisiana
- New Orleans Health Department
- Travelers Aid Society
- City of New Orleans Homeless Services and Strategy
- Clutch Consulting Group
“While we know that UNITY received federal funds for housing vouchers, those vouchers can only be used for housing. We know we have to close this gap when housing voucher funds cannot stretch any further and that’s why we created Home for Good, a flex fund to close the gap when vouchers cannot,” said Councilmember Lesli Harris.
Harris first introduced two ordinances in 2023 to improve conditions of homeless encampments, which caused public health and quality of life issues for residents.
One ordinance updates city laws surrounding encampment cleanups, while the other is directed at launching a campaign on which charitable measures are more helpful than harmful.
“Every New Orleanian deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of where they call home, and we believe Home for Good New Orleans and its partners have the expertise and broad support to make that happen,” said UWSELA President and CEO Michael Williamson.
The program aims to house as many people as possible by the end of 2025.
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