The homeless crisis in New Orleans

New Orleans is one of the most unique places in America. It’s the birthplace of jazz and the food is some of the best in the world, but there’s one thing that plagues this city more than anything, homelessness.

Homelessness in New Orleans has always been a problem, but more so now than ever. Growing tourism and more development has led some to take a closer look at those who have no home.

Martha Kegel, director of Unity of Greater New Orleans says, “The situation is a crisis. After years of declining numbers, homelessness has been on the increase. So far, we have been able to withstand this trend, but it is clear that we are now moving in the wrong direction.”

After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the homeless population grew more than anyone could imagine, with an estimated 11,600 people without homes. Many non-profits, like Kegel’s, helped by giving those in need a place to stay.

However, that was nearly 13 years ago. Today the homeless population is around 1,179 and steadily rising. Last year, there were only nine fewer homeless people on the streets.

The lack of affordable housing is mostly to blame for this. Between 2012 and 2016, rent increased 25 percent in New Orleans. Obviously, It doesn’t cost anything to live on the street so why pay rent?

Organizations and shelters struggle to keep up with the demand for housing and beds, and the parish can’t decide what it wants to do with all of these people.

Orleans and Jefferson parish have different ideas when it comes to this hot topic.

It will take a hard look at reality and complete coordination between everybody involved, in order to stop this crisis before it becomes an epidemic.