The primary topic of our August general meeting was homeless encampments, where city and law enforcement officials educated our members on the procedures and efforts that they are using to responsibly handle them. Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hudson was the first guest speaker of the night, delivering a commentary of the state of reform in Orleans Parish Prison via the term “right-sizing;” keeping violent offenders behind bars and focusing on the rehabilitation and reintegration of non-violent offenders. Noting her own personal experience caring for a mentally ill adult- her brother, a veteran with PTSD- sheriff Hudson emphasized the importance of proper mental health resources for mentally ill adults. 

Following Sheriff Hudson, the fifth district of the New Orleans Police Department was represented by Sgt. Bianca Boone, Officer Cortez Hankton, and Officer Melvin McCullom. Sgt. Boone and the officers answered questions from neighbors regarding the homeless population in the Marigny. The representing officers explained that their jurisdiction regarding homeless encampments extends only to where crimes are being committed. The officers made note that their department only has jurisdiction when drugs, violence, or criminal activity are present, suggesting that 311 be notified in all other circumstances. The fifth district concluded by reminding our members that October 8th is the Night Out Against Crime. The fifth district invites neighbors to attend the New Orleans Neighbors & Police Anti-Crime Council meeting every second Wednesday of the month at 6:00 p.m. at the fifth district police station. If you are unable to make it in person, email Sgt. Boone at bgdeirish@nola.gov for a link to the live stream. Fifth District officers have also requested that any videos which you would like to bring to the attention of the NOPD should be emailed to 5thdistrictvideos@nola.gov. 

Emily Riemer provided an update on the St. Paul Food Pantry. From January to June 2024, the pantry was open for 51 days, serving almost 200 individuals and distributing 1,314 bags of groceries. The demand continues to grow, with 140 of these individuals seeking assistance for the first time this year. This outreach ministry relies solely on personal donations, and there are many ways for neighbors to be involved, listed next. Volunteer during distribution hours on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM. You can sign up here or simply come during distribution. Donate groceries, toiletries, clothing, and fresh produce. Items like water, socks, and backpacks are especially needed. Donations can be left in the basement at any time or dropped off during distribution hours. Financial contributions are crucial. Please use the "Food Pantry" option in the drop-down menu when donating at this link. St Paul strives to offer a meal at each distribution, to foster relationship building. Prepared and frozen meals are particularly appreciated. If you have questions, feel free to contact Emily Riemer (emilyriemer2@gmail.com or 504-339-6364). 

Casie Duplechain of New Orleans City Park spoke at our general meeting on August 19. New Orleans City Park is compiling its official Master Plan and wants to hear from the community. The City Park Master Plan will include measures that improve accessibility, create new visitor experiences, improve existing facilities, and more. Neighbors took a vested interest in the new City Park Master Plans, giving suggestions, such as a new skate park. If you would like your input to be heard, contact masterplan@nocp.org with your suggestions.

The final speaker of the night was Rachel Kimble, Environmental Health Compliance Officer for the New Orleans Health Department. Ms. Kimble is in charge of issues with the homeless population as they pertain to public health in the city. If you have concerns regarding the public health due to a homeless encampment, please reach out to 311, and these matters will be directed to her office. Ms. Kimble has asked us to clarify that she cannot forcibly move someone from public or private property, in which case it becomes an NOPD matter. Ms. Kimble has shed light to the pitfalls of the process, as she is the only city employee responsible for these tasks, and is allotted only four hours of field work per week to address these issues. Ms. Kimble’s office is funded 80% by private grants and only 20% by the city. Per Ms. Kimble, “If people have concerns or complaints about a homeless person just existing in a space, they should contact Unity of Greater New Orleans, Travelers Aid, or the Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services and Strategies for outreach services.”