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Ahead of New Orleans hosting Super Bowl LIX and a busy Mardi Gras season, Governor Jeff Landry announced plans to improve the city’s streets and sidewalks to ensure they are “clean, accessible, and safe.” His strategy includes addressing homelessness near key areas like the Caesars Superdome and the French Quarter. GOHSEP Director Jacques Thibodaux noted that GOHSEP will collaborate with the Louisiana Housing Commission to open a Transitional Center on France Road.
“The Governor declared a “state of emergency” and this is an element of safety protection for those homeless individuals that don’t have anywhere to go and maybe in a location that’s not completely safe.”
Thibodaux emphasized that tackling homelessness is critical following recent events, including a major fire under Interstate 10, infrastructure damage, and a deadly terrorist attack
“For the first time ever we have had a terrorist attack in a major city and end up where we have two Department of Homeland Security Tier One events.”
Thibodaux stressed that humane and safe shelter is essential as the city prepares to welcome visitors from around the world.
“This is an opportunity to give them a transition center where they have a place to stay, they get free meals, and there’s also wrap-around services like medical care and mental health counseling and we’re hoping this leads to a transition to more where they have a better opportunity for better improvements in their lives.”
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