Since New Orleans' was announced as the winner of President Obama's challenge to house all homeless veterans last year, the city has seen a rise in interest on homelessness issues across the board.
This weekPaul Simon gave a concert to benefit New Orleans Artists Against Hunger and Homelessness, an event he was scheduled to perform with Allen Toussiant before the legendary New Orleans musician passed away last month.
While the city passed an ordinance that essentially outlawed homeless encampments along Claiborne Avenue, last month it also took steps toward a new "low-barrier" homeless shelter, which could be housed in the old VA hospital.
In this holiday season of giving, WWNO talked to our own Business Manager Jameeta Youngblood about her participation in an event last month at Covenant House. The "Sleep Out: Executive Edition" brought New Orleans professionals to the street with cardboard and sleeping bags, for a night of education and awareness.
The biggest takeaway after a night of the noise, lights and discomfort of sleeping on the street? Youngblood finds herself re-sensitized to the realities of the homeless she sees around the city. "We don't understand what they're going through," says Youngblood. "Now it's more... you're standing there, what's your story?"