Tagged: homelessness

The number of homeless people in Orleans and Jefferson parishes has dropped 79 percent since 2007.  A non-profit dedicated to getting those numbers even lower credits a coordinated effort for the success.

A new newspaper is being sold on the streets of New Orleans. It highlights the challenges of being homeless, and helps those trying to work their way into homes of their own.

U.S. Sen. Mary L. Landrieu says $1.4 million in grants has been set aside for Louisiana organizations to prevent homelessness among veterans.

Landrieu said Tuesday the money was awarded through the Supportive Services for Veterans Families Program, which is part of the Department of Veterans Affairs' initiative to end homelessness among military veterans.

The New Orleans Mission, a massive homeless shelter, is closing its doors for the summer.

Officials from the mission say the closure is due to lack of funding. Friday will be its last night open. Officials hope to reopen the facility, which employs nine full-time workers, by Sept 15.

WWL-TV reports the mission houses between 160 to 180 people per night, and serves roughly 12,000 meals — breakfast, lunch and dinner — each month, along with seeing up to 80 homeless visitors daily.