NEW ORLEANS — From clearing encampments to providing new housing options, the City of New Orleans is finding innovative ways to help the homeless community. The Office of Housing Policy and Community Development is looking for a new operator to run its 346 bed, Low Barrier Shelter.
Six years ago, the City of New Orleans partnered with Start Corp to build a low barrier homeless shelter from the ground up.
“It was challenging but rewarding as well,” Start Corp. CEO Casey Guidry said. “When you see someone regroup and reorganize their life, it is a rewarding thing.”
Since its development, the shelter has transitioned 800 residents into permanent housing.
“It takes compassion, you have to have compassion, you have to, you know, be empathy to, you know, the population that we serve, and one that don't mind helping and assisting.”
Start Corp’s CEO credits its success to taking the time to get to know each resident.
“So that has been really how we've done it from day one,” Guidry said. “Really trying to get to know the people who are staying there, the guests who are staying at the shelter, and really trying to help them achieve the goals they want for housing.”
Now, Start Corp is moving on, prompting a search for a new operator.
“We need to have an organization that's willing to take this shelter to another level, but being able to have that success at the same time,” Director of Housing Policy and Community Development Tyra Johnson Brown said.
The City is taking applications, hoping to find an organization equipped to assist the residents through their unique challenges.
“I also think a level of respect is very important. You know, treating people with dignity, dignity, and, and acknowledging their worth. It goes a long way in helping them to sort of rebuild their lives,” Guidry said.
A low barrier shelter has few restrictions for entry, making special accommodations for residents who have pets or possessions that other shelters may not accept.
“You know, we have a lot of agencies out there, but we need to make sure that we have an agency that understands this population, that have experience with this population, and is willing to move them forward with a low barrier of concept that is in place,” Brown said.
Organizations interested in operating the low barrier shelter can apply through Dec. 8. The application information is available here.
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