NEW ORLEANS — One shelter in the city has a new way to raise awareness for homelessness. The New Orleans Women and Children's Shelter is putting on a fashion show Saturday for the cause.
In partnership with the AMIGAS Cancer Awareness Initiative, both organizations are excited to help those in need and give them a moment in the spotlight. Organizer, Jourdasia Jones says she came up with the idea for clients to get out of their daily routines at the shelter and enjoy feeling beautiful and confident.
" I hope the models walk away with the experience that they were able to transform and become someone else for a night. They were able to do hair and makeup, put on beautiful dresses, and be able to be seen in a different light than something that they experience day to day in the shelter," she said.
One client, Lakeisha Channel, tried on two different outfits with clothes donated from a local boutique called The Art Of Style. With a brown blazer, polka dot dress and black shoes, Channel twirled in the room while Jones gave her another black dress to try on, embellished with a pearl at the center.
"I feel so confident, I feel like I can walk the runway," Channel said smiling.
The New Orleans Women's and Children's Shelter provides intense case management and supportive wraparound services to meet the needs of every family that comes through the shelter's doors.
It's very important to bridge the two causes together and highlight the awareness said L'Oreal Ranson, program's director at the shelter.
"It's also important to the shelter that we can provide mentorship to the ladies that are experiencing homelessness. Let them know that it's not a hopeless environment, it is somewhere where they can be encouraged, empowered [and] be able to provide for their families," Ranson said.
The fashion show fundraiser will help raise money for women and families seeking permanent housing, along with providing resources for essentials and clothing. Also for those who are experiencing cancer, Jones said.
"I really am excited about what that can bring," she said. "I want us to have a bigger donor base from this, volunteers, people just reaching out to us within the community to grow things that we need in the shelter."
The fashion show will be held at Southport Hall on Saturday, Jan. 20 at 8 p.m. Those interested in attending can pay $60 at the door.
Learn more about New Orleans Women's and Children's Shelter here and the AMIGAS Cancer Awareness Initiative here.
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