Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
New Orleans homelessness office says 1,422 housed; warns budget cuts could restart encampments
Summary
The Office of Homelessness Strategies and Services reported it has housed 1,422 people toward a 1,500 goal, but warned proposed 2026 budget cuts and staffing shortfalls could reduce shelter throughput and lead to more street encampments. Officials urged state and philanthropic support.
The city27s Office of Homelessness Strategies and Services (OHSS) told the City Council it has placed 1,422 people into housing since the office began its current process, approaching a year-end goal of 1,500 people.
"We are at 1,422 individuals housed since we started this process," OHSS director Nate Fields said, adding the office is "95% of the way there." Fields told the council the office has expanded case teams and works closely with nonprofit partners such as Odyssey House and United Way to sustain people in housing and provide case management, mental-health and addiction services.
Fields described operational priorities for 2026: focused zone closures in the French Quarter and Central Business District to reduce street sleeping while offering…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
