Homelessness on the rise in Orleans, Jefferson parishes: report

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Leaders throughout the New Orleans Metropolitan area gathered as Unity of Greater New Orleans released its report on homelessness in Orleans and Jefferson parishes.

Organization officials said in a news conference on Thursday, April 18, that homelessness is on the rise for the second year in a row.

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The recent report shows a 20% increase since 2022 and notes that older adults, women and the Black community have been hit the hardest.

“This year’s official count for homelessness is 1,454 people. That is just one night. Keep in mind, that there is a constant inflow every day of new people becoming homeless. So, people who were housed yesterday are suddenly appearing on the streets the next day,” said Executive Director of UNITY of Greater New Orleans Martha Kegel.

Unity’s new federal grant is expected to permanently house over 400 people currently living on the street within the next year.

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