The New Orleans City Council is looking at what can be done to further reduce the homeless population. That was the focus of the new City Council Quality of Life Committee today.
Officials say they are making progress in the fight against homelessness.
"There's been an 85 percent decrease in our homeless count since 2011."
The mayor's deputy chief of staff Liana Elliot, said there are still too many people living on the street though.
"As of 2018, the count was 1,188 homeless individuals in Orleans and Jefferson Parish."
One of the biggest problems, she said, is that people meaning well keep bringing food, tents and clothes to the homeless encampments. That actually draws more people to the camps and gives the homeless incentives to stay there instead of seeing help from a shelter or other providers.
"In many ways we are chasing our tail, because this is continuing to happen."
Councilmen Joe Giarrusso addressed that.
"There are many social service agencies who have safe, sanitary areas where they provide food several times a day every day," the deputy chief of staff explained. "We would love to partner you with one of those so that you can still bring all of that love and compassion and deliver food, but do it in a way that is productive."
She said they are developing a website and homeless tool kit to get the message out to charities, churches and individuals who want to help.
The city also says the new low-barrier shelter is a big success, and they hope to double it to from 100 to 200 beds soon.
Officials say, however, legal restrictions make it challenging to battle panhandling and homeless camps.