NEW ORLEANS — A homeless encampment was cleared on Wednesday just days before Taylor Swift's big three-day concert in New Orleans. The city tried to push back on Troop NOLA sweeping nearly 75 individuals staying on Calliope under the I-10. Council President Helena Moreno sent a request to Governor Landry asking for more collaboration from the state.
On Wednesday, Moreno's letter included two recommendations. The first request asked for the "establishment of a coordinated working group," a release said.
The group would involve state and city agencies to create a better approach to managing homeless encampments in the city. State police, the Department of Transportation and Development, and the Unity of Greater New Orleans would also be included. Moreno said a unified response is needed to address "this pressing issue."
Last year in November, Moreno sent a letter to the New Orleans Transition Council. The same suggestion she stated in her second request to Gov. Landry.
Moreno asked for a "dedicated cabinet position within the Governor's Office tasked specifically with combating homelessness." The position would focus on strengthening rehousing efforts and wrap-around services.
She also nodded to the efforts of Homeless Services Director Nathaniel Fields and Councilmember Lesli Harris.
“Councilmember Harris and Director Fields have been at the forefront of this issue,” said Council President Moreno. "With State coordination and true collaboration to end homelessness, everyone could be on the same page and achieve the same goal of providing improved quality of life, permanent housing, and wrap-around services," she said. "I hope that the Governor gives strong consideration to my recommendations and we can work to move forward together."
Read Moreno's full letter to Governor Landry below:
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