The city of New Orleans is making a national request for proposals as it searches for an operator to provide expanded homeless services at the former Veterans Affairs hospital.
A nonprofit partner will be selected through a competitive process based on the organization’s experience and track record serving the homeless population.
Last month, the city announced plans to expand homeless services in a portion of the former VA hospital at 1530 Gravier St. The expansion will include 100 new overnight shelter beds on the floor above the Community Resource and Referral Center (CRRC), which currently serves as a homeless day shelter.
The expanded, 24/7 comprehensive facility will allow low barriers to entry, including no admission fee or sobriety test.
Staffers stationed at or working out of the shelter will include medical professionals, housing navigators (focused on permanently housing homeless clients). coordinated entry personnel, residential monitors with training and 24/7 security personnel.