NEW ORLEANS — The city's Director of Homeless Services and Strategy is taking aim at Governor Jeff Landry.
Nathaniel Fields claims the state is threatening to sweep a homeless encampment if it's not cleared out by Thursday—ahead of the Taylor Swift concert.
"Why are we hiding our homeless population? I don't care about the Taylor Swift concert. I care about every single individual who is behind me who lives out here every single day," Fields said.
The encampment is located on Calliope under I-10 near the Greyhound bus station. The state wants the individuals to move at least two blocks down, away from this high-traffic area, for people traveling to the Caesars Superdome.
Fields says close to 75 individuals are living at the location. If they aren't moved, Fields says Troop NOLA will sweep the area.
The city and several agencies have been working to house residents in the last year.
According to Fields, there are timelines for clearing certain encampments — but not individuals. Fields said it's not work that can be rushed.
WWL Louisiana has reached out to Louisiana State Police about the potential sweep.
Troop NOLA says troopers are addressing the safety concerns to ensure both the well-being of the unhoused community and the integrity of public infrastructure.
LSP notes that residing on state property is illegal.
We also contacted the governor's office following this afternoon's press conference and are still waiting for a response.
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