New Orleans residents oppose proposed cuts to homeless shelter and eviction counsel programs

Residents and affordable housing activists gathered in large numbers at a New Orleans city council budget meeting on October 8, opposing proposed cuts to the city’s low-barrier homeless shelter and a program offering free legal aid to those facing eviction. The meeting, which lasted over six hours, saw strong public support for maintaining these services, which are seen as vital to the city’s vulnerable population.

Mayor Helena Moreno’s administration initially proposed the cuts as part of efforts to address a $77 million budget shortfall for 2027. However, both city officials and council members have expressed a commitment to finding alternative funding solutions to preserve these programs. Dr. Jennifer Avegno, the city’s deputy mayor of health and human services, warned that defunding the shelter could result in approximately 300 individuals being displaced to the streets. The shelter, which allows pets and does not require identification for stays, has been a critical resource for many.

Several current and former shelter residents testified about the positive impact the shelter has had on their lives. Manuel Lawrence, who has lived at the shelter with his dog for over a year, described the support he has received as essential. “They give me hope to try,” he said. “They’re all I have at the end of the day.” Terry Madison, who stayed at the shelter after his release from jail, shared his experience as a victim of identity fraud during his incarceration.

Since 2025, the shelter has been operated by Odyssey House, which reported that the city’s annual investment of $5.8 million has saved an estimated $40 million in other costs. Council Member Lesli Harris, a leading voice on homelessness issues, emphasized the importance of maintaining the shelter, especially in light of Louisiana’s laws that criminalize street sleeping. She stated, “It is a necessity that we keep these 300 beds in the city of New Orleans.”

Council President JP Morrell noted that council members have been engaging with various partners, including the Downtown Development District and the French Quarter Management District, to secure long-term funding. He expressed hope for a multi-year commitment, ideally spanning three to five years, to ensure the city does not face similar challenges in the future.

Moreno’s administration has also considered relocating the shelter from the former Veterans Affairs hospital to a building currently used as a Temporary Detention Center. This move, however, is contingent on the completion of the jail’s medical and mental health wing, expected early next year. The current shelter building has faced issues such as low water pressure, with Avegno recalling its poor condition from her time in medical school decades ago.

The debate over the shelter’s future highlights the complex interplay between public policy, community needs, and resource allocation. As the city navigates these challenges, the voices of those directly impacted continue to shape the conversation around compassion, justice, and the care of vulnerable neighbors. Proverbs 31:8-9 reminds us to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, a call that resonates deeply in this ongoing struggle for dignity and support.

Source: Read the original report