As the state continues cleanup of homeless encampments in and around the Superdome and downtown, city leaders and advocacy groups raise their voices concerning the uprooting of the unhoused population in such a move.
Joe Heeren-Mueller with UNITY of Greater New Orleans says the homeless need long term solutions instead of short term removal.
"We need to address homelessness for the long haul not just for today."
Mueller says there are specific hurdles that, if addressed, could serve to end homelessness for many on the street.
"Some individuals just need a few months of rental assistance. Others may need permanent assistance due to a disability or illness."
However, Jacques Thibodeaux, Director of the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness says that first, this is a security issue not a move to simply sweep people away.
"When you have individuals in the public right of way, in popular ingress-egress areas, this poses a safety issue for them and those moving through those spots."
Thibodeaux also says that everyone is working towards the same end and that is not only safety, but a solution to the issue of homelessness.
"We hope this temporary shelter serves as a starting point for further conversations on how to help people get on their feet."
