The Current Landscape
Homelessness remains a critical public health challenge in our community. While New Orleans has achieved remarkable progress, reducing our homeless population by 90% since 2007, recent years have brought new challenges. As of January 2021, 560 individuals experienced homelessness in Orleans and Jefferson Parish, though this number doesn't fully capture our unsheltered population.
To learn more about this topic, you can read this article on the relationship between health and homelessness.
Health Impact
Living without stable housing profoundly affects both physical and mental health. People experiencing homelessness face increased risks of poor nutrition, preventable diseases, and limited healthcare access. The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted how housing security directly connects to community health.
Comprehensive Initiatives
Immediate Support: Low Barrier Shelter
Our innovative shelter at the former VA hospital welcomes adults and their pets without typical restrictions. Unlike traditional shelters, we don't require sobriety tests, IDs, or payment. This approach has helped 495 people find permanent housing since 2018. Thanks to a $5 million investment, we're expanding from 100 to 346 beds to serve more community members.
Community Outreach
Our weekly outreach program brings together multiple city departments to support homeless residents. Teams provide health assessments, connect people with resources, and maintain clean environments while respecting personal property. This coordinated effort ensures dignified, effective assistance for those in need.
Health Services
The Healthcare for the Homeless Clinic provides comprehensive medical and dental care regardless of ability to pay. For three decades, our team of healthcare professionals has delivered essential services to adults and children, ensuring everyone has access to quality care.
Click here for more information or to make an appointment.
Recovery Support
The Sobering Center offers temporary shelter and substance abuse treatment connections for chronically intoxicated individuals. Through our LEAD program, we partner with NOPD to provide intensive case management and housing placement for at-risk individuals.
Encampment Cleanup Process
The New Orleans Health Department coordinates weekly encampment cleanups to protect public health while supporting our homeless community. We focus on removing health hazards while preserving personal property and connecting residents to vital services.
Our Process
After receiving 3-1-1 reports, we inspect sites and provide advance notice to residents. During cleanups, our team removes only hazardous items while service providers offer resources and support. Partners like UNITY, Metropolitan, and Healthcare for the Homeless help ensure comprehensive care.
Several different homeless service providers have attended cleanups to help people experiencing homelessness. They include UNITY, Metropolitan, Odyssey house, and Healthcare for the Homeless.
UNITY CoC
As the lead agency of New Orleans' Continuum of Care (CoC), UNITY coordinates 63 organizations across New Orleans and Jefferson Parish to prevent and end homelessness. Through coordinated entry and standardized care, we ensure individuals can access the right services at the right time.
To learn more about UNITY and donate, visit their website at unitygno.org.
Our Impact
UNITY's collaborative approach has achieved remarkable results:
- Reduced overall homelessness by 90% (2007-2019)
- Achieved "functional zero" veteran homelessness in 2014
- Houses homeless veterans within 30 days
- Reduces family homelessness to under 45 days
- Manages over 40 HUD-funded projects providing outreach, support, and housing
COVID-19 Response
During the pandemic, UNITY led efforts to shelter hundreds of unsheltered individuals in local hotels, protecting health while transitioning people to permanent housing.
Making a Difference
By connecting organizations that provide complementary services, UNITY creates clear pathways from homelessness to stable housing. This coordinated approach ensures no one gets lost navigating multiple systems.