ALGIERS, La. — A new community set to open next month in Treme is designed to help people still struggling to rebuild their lives.
For David Jones and his wife, the search for affordable housing in New Orleans post-Hurricane Katrina hasn’t been easy.
“We’re looking for something nice, reliable with security, somewhere safe,” Jones said. “And pets, got to have my dog.”
They and others attended an open house at Fischer Senior Community Center in Algiers to learn about Section 8, rental assistance programs and housing vouchers to aid them in their search.
The Downtown Development District has five affordable housing communities in New Orleans, Metairie and Kenner.
by WDSU.com
“It’s really important for people facing financial hardships with people losing jobs,” said Joshua Bruno, of the Downtown Development Group. “They don’t understand there are other places to go to.”
“Most rent is $1,400 to $2,500 a month,” said Francis Brown, who was looking for affordable housing. “This is what’s being asked of these people. They don’t have the money and don’t have the resource.”
Brown was gathering information for her disabled son.
“This is very good for these people,” she said. “They need help. They’ve been struggling since Katrina.”
Since Katrina, many New Orleanians have yet to return to their neighborhoods and communities.
The Downtown Development Group said affordable housing — for single mothers, families, and those just starting out — is one way to guarantee a happy homecoming long overdue.
“Once they’re at home and moved in, we found them some of the best tenants in New Orleans, because they really appreciate where they live,” Bruno said.
St. Ann Square apartments in Treme are scheduled to open Feb. 20.