News Summary
The New Orleans Women & Children’s Shelter (NOWCS) has acquired a former hotel to expand its operations and better serve homeless families. This pivotal development allows NOWCS to provide enhanced services, such as more living space, a commercial kitchen, and a safe environment, to achieve its mission of keeping families out of homelessness. Despite broader challenges in the city’s approach to homelessness, NOWCS continues to rely on community support as it transforms its facilities to better assist families in need.
New Orleans Women & Children’s Shelter Acquires Former Hotel Facility to Enhance Services for Homeless Families
New Orleans is witnessing a significant development in its fight against homelessness as the New Orleans Women & Children’s Shelter (NOWCS) has acquired a former hotel on Iberville Street to expand its operations. This acquisition marks a pivotal moment for the organization, which has dedicated itself to supporting homeless families with children since its inception in 2007. With a remarkable 98% success rate in keeping families out of homelessness permanently, NOWCS is now poised to enhance its ability to serve those in need.
The acquisition of the hotel facility fulfills a long-held ambition of establishing permanent roots for NOWCS in the Greater New Orleans area. The new shelter will provide more space and operational capabilities, allowing for a more holistic approach to homelessness. The added amenities of the facility include rooms with ensuite bathrooms, spacious living areas, and a library, transforming the shelter into a more comfortable home-like environment for families during their transition.
Enhancing Services and Safety
Now in operation at the newly acquired location, the shelter aims to create a safe and supportive atmosphere for its residents. The facility is completely gated, providing an essential layer of security for families. Residents will also benefit from access to a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen, which is part of the renovations funded through the organization’s Home At Last campaign. This initiative is focused on providing nutritious meals, reinforcing the shelter’s commitment to the health and well-being of families in their care.
Family residents typically stay at the shelter for an average of 45 days, during which time they work closely with caseworkers. The goal is to assist families in securing permanent housing, thereby breaking the cycle of homelessness. The organization has been invaluable in meeting the needs of the community, especially as the average family homelessness rate in New Orleans has surged by 62% over the past year.
Context of Homelessness in New Orleans
While the efforts of NOWCS are commendable, the broader context of homelessness in the city is troubling. A recent report by the state Legislative Auditor highlighted various issues within the city’s homeless shelters, including significant food safety violations in 80% of inspected facilities, as well as shortcomings in oversight and responsiveness to families. In recent years, the city and UNITY of Greater New Orleans have invested over $216 million into homelessness initiatives, indicating a strong commitment to addressing this critical issue.
Despite the challenges presented by these audit findings, city representatives have committed to improving oversight and communication regarding homeless services. As NOWCS expands its offerings and enhances its facilities, the organization continues to rely on community support and donations to further its mission and assist families in need.
How to Get Involved
Individuals and families in need of assistance can find further details about the services offered by NOWCS by visiting their website at nowcs.org. The organization is actively encouraging contributions from the community to help eliminate the cycle of homelessness in New Orleans, signifying that collective efforts are vital in the battle against this pressing issue.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New Orleans Audit Questions Spending on Homeless Services
Concerns Raised Over Homeless Services Management in New Orleans
New Orleans Braces for Historic Winter Storm
Additional Resources
- MyNewOrleans: Story of Hope – New Orleans Women and Children’s Shelter
- WWLTV: Poverty and Homelessness in New Orleans
- Big Easy Magazine: Back to School Celebration at NOWCS
- NOLA: New Orleans Homelessness Update
- Biz New Orleans: Local Homeless Advocate Awarded
- Google Search: New Orleans homelessness
