The Home For Good New Orleans (HFGNO) Homeless Initiative launches today to address and minimize the unhoused population in the Crescent City. Home For Good, supported by donations, will serve as a resource fund to help unhoused residents successfully transition to housing. Resources include furniture, move-in kits (hygiene/cleaning supplies, pots & pans, etc.), security deposits, pet fees, and other landlord incentives.

Devised by Councilmember Lesli Harris, HFGNO was developed between several local partners: New Orleans and Company, UNITY of Greater New Orleans, Greater New Orleans Foundation, United Way Southeast Louisiana (UWSELA), New Orleans Health Department, Travelers Aid Society and City of New Orleans Homeless Services and Strategy. Clutch Consulting Group, led by Mandy Chapman Semple, assisted in this effort by developing the strategy and long-term plan of housing individuals with supportive services to get them off the street and into stable, permanent residences. To create an effective end-to-end process, Councilmember Harris introduced two ordinances in 2023 to improve the conditions in local homeless encampments, which pose public health and quality of life issues for residents. One ordinance updates City laws governing routine homeless encampment cleanups, and the other law directs the Administration to launch a campaign on which charitable measures are helpful versus harmful. To aid these efforts, Home For Good New Orleans’ mission will focus on achieving low to no unsheltered homelessness in New Orleans by the end of 2025 because every resident should have access to affordable housing and the resources needed to overcome homelessness.  

“I am proud to lead this initiative and the local stakeholders who invested their time and expertise to develop the strategy and branding of Home For Good New Orleans. Since the beginning of my term, curbing homelessness and developing affordable housing continues to be my top two priorities,” Councilmember Harris notes. “Our city has a housing crisis because there is a lack of affordable housing options or stabilized rent. All New Orleanians deserve a safe and supportive place to live. Home For Good New Orleans will help us achieve a better quality of life and lower the percentage of displaced residents.” 

“At its very core our mission is to inspire, promote and encourage actions that result in a better community for those who live, work, and visit here,” said Walt Leger III, President and CEO, New Orleans & Company. “Serving our city as a partner in the Home for Good initiative is a special opportunity for our organization to support an improved quality of life for people who need assistance and for the community as a whole.”

"Housing is a major determinant of health  - when individuals live on the streets, their risk of serious illness, injury, and death is substantial,” said Dr. Jennifer Avegno, Director of the New Orleans Health Department. “Supporting individuals' basic needs sets them up for long-term success and makes our community healthier and safer overall."

“Housing is healthcare,” said Nathaniel Fields, Director for The Office of Homeless Services and Strategy. “If we can provide the right housing, with the right services, we are giving healthcare that will change lives!” 

"The Greater New Orleans Foundation is proud to have invested $100,000 in the Home for Good New Orleans Homeless Initiative as well as another $175,000 in matching funds to support Unity's $15M federal grant that together will help dramatically reduce homelessness in New Orleans by 2025," said Andy Kopplin, President & CEO of the Greater New Orleans Foundation. "This initiative is the perfect example of how public-private partnerships can produce long-term, sustainable results that create a better community for us all. I want to thank Councilmember Harris, the City of New Orleans and all of our partners and funders for their continued leadership and commitment.”

“When more than half of Orleans Parish households don’t earn enough to cover a basic survival budget, it’s easy to understand how safe, affordable housing is out of reach for far too many of our vulnerable neighbors,” said Michael Williamson, UWSELA president and CEO. “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.”

Donors interested in supporting their unhoused community members with financial contributions, can donate to the Home For Good New Orleans' website. 

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About the Greater New Orleans Foundation
With roots extending 100 years, the Greater New Orleans Foundation connects generous people to the causes that spark their passion. As one of the most trusted philanthropic organizations in the region, we work every day to drive positive impact by championing charitable giving, strengthening nonprofits, and leading civic projects in our thirteen-parish region. In addition to grantmaking, we convene people, resources, and ideas to create intelligent strategies and solutions to meet our region’s greatest challenges. We are proud to serve as a vocal civic leader with our partners to ensure an economically and culturally vibrant, sustainable, and just region for all. Learn more at www.gnof.org.

About United Way of Southeast Louisiana
For 100 years, United Way of Southeast Louisiana (UWSELA) has been a leader and trusted partner in improving lives and making a lasting difference. We fight to eradicate poverty by preparing people for quality jobs, growing incomes, and affording better health and education opportunities throughout Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington parishes. We have a bold vision of equitable communities where all individuals are healthy, educated, and financially stable – and we have a plan. United Way of Southeast Louisiana’s Blueprint for Prosperity guides all strategic investments in programs, initiatives, collaborations, volunteerism, and advocacy aimed at tackling poverty. For more information, please visit UnitedWaySELA.org. Find us on social: @UnitedWaySELA.