NEW ORLEANS — The City of New Orleans' goal to get unsheltered people off the streets by the end of next year is a big mission, thanks to funding from the state and federal government, Unity of Greater New Orleans and its partners have found housing for almost 750 people since September.
The latest numbers from the nonprofit say 743 people have been put in a home between September 2023 and May 2024. The organization set a goal to get 1,140 people in homes by the end of this year. Ms. Sonia Stewart is one of their clients who was recently put into a home of her own.
She's a New Orleans native who lost her apartment a few years ago, and since then she has been sleeping on the streets.
"I lost my apartment while working. When I left out the door, I looked back, then closed the door," Stewart said fighting back tears. "It has never happened to me before. I didn't know what to do."
She didn't tell her family. After a few years of sleeping on the streets, she was connected with a women's shelter, then to Unity of Greater New Orleans.
"I'm bipolar okay. I had an alcohol and drug habit," she said. "You lose all hope, your dreams and you're not on your meds. I wasn't on my meds I had to self-medicate myself."
After medical and substance abuse help, Stewart now has a roof over her head and is successfully housed, not far from where she used to sleep under the bridge.
Stweart said, "I don't ever want to go back down that road again. it was scary, you know because you are on the ground with the rodents. I have been through it, baby. It made me stronger but some people still have to go through that. Sometimes it's a kind word and a smile would help someone."
"I am so proud of her, " said Joseph Heeren-Muelier Director of community engagement for Unity. "So grateful for her generosity to know her and to be around her and see the success that she is having in housing in the work that she does."
Heeren-Muelier said Ms. Stewart has been very involved in trying to help others still on the streets waiting for housing. Apart from speaking to state and local leaders about additional resources needed, she also participates in a peer-focused group to offer support.
Ms. Stewart said, "I lost a lot of pride, I lost myself, but I kept my spirit alive. He has done all the work. The Lord has done all the work."
As Unity continues its mission, Heeren-Muelier said the biggest challenge and solution to chronic homelessness is a lack of affordable housing.
"Housing insecurity is on the rise in our country. So many people in southeast Louisiana, in New Orleans, are at or below the poverty line. We all need to work together to prevent new homelessness, and secure affordable housing for everyone who needs it," said Heeren-Muelier.
As the city continues to work towards solutions on that front, there are ways you can help. Heeren-Muelier said state and federal funding covers rent and utilities for people who get into their new homes. However, that money does not cover other essentials. Donations of gently used furniture and other basic household items are welcomed.
To donate call 504-483-9300, email homelesswarehouse@unitygno.org, or click here.
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