Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry ordered the forcible relocation of an encampment of unhoused people in downtown New Orleans ahead of Taylor Swift’s upcoming concerts, disrupting housing efforts with less than a week’s notice. City Councilwoman Lesli Harris, who had been working on housing the people in the encampment, was caught off guard by the sudden move. The encampment, near the Superdome where Swift is performing, was home to around 75 individuals who were making progress towards secure housing. Despite efforts to collaborate, the decision to relocate the encampment was made last minute. The new location lacks basic hygiene facilities, which has raised concerns about the well-being of the displaced individuals.
The last-minute upheaval has disrupted months of progress in housing efforts for the unhoused community in New Orleans. Many of the people who were relocated had vouchers for residences through the Home for Good initiative, which aims to get people off the streets and into safe housing. The rushed relocation has caused personal belongings to be lost, including crucial documents needed to access services and support.
Local officials, including Harris and New Orleans Council President Helena Moreno, have criticized the sudden move, noting that the state had months to provide notice and coordinate a more humane approach. The lack of coordination with the city and the rush to relocate people before a concert has led to concerns about the well-being and safety of the unhoused population. The move has also complicated efforts to close all encampments in the city by 2025.
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