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NEW ORLEANS, LA - On Monday, December 8, 2025, the Community Development Committee met to review current efforts to support homeless victims, receive updates on the DeGaulle Manor demolition, and hear the Orleans Parish School Board’s funding request.
Office of Homeless Services and Partners Address New Orleans Homelessness
Representatives from the Office of Homeless Services, NOPD, local businesses, and District C residents spoke about escalating challenges related to the city’s unhoused population. The Committee opened with a brief slideshow from residents highlighting ongoing issues.
Speakers agreed that homelessness in New Orleans has reached a critical point requiring immediate action. Captain Samuel Palumbo of NOPD’s 8th District noted that collaborative efforts over the summer helped move more unhoused individuals into shelters, but conceded that the approach is not sustainable in the long term.
Although views differed on next steps, the Committee reaffirmed the city’s commitment to transitioning unhoused residents into shelters and decommissioning encampments across New Orleans.
Update on the DeGaulle Manor Demolition
Representatives from the Chief Administrative Office, Code Enforcement, and Wolfe Commercial Construction provided updates on the DeGaulle Manor demolition as 2025 draws to a close. As of October, Wolfe Commercial Construction had completed part of the asbestos abatement and portions of demolition, totaling roughly $1.154 million.
Additional work, which would include removing the remaining asbestos, beginning further demolition, and potentially completing demolition of the smallest building, could be finished before the year's end pending approval by December 12. With 2026 budget pressures ahead, the Committee discussed the best path forward.
As for next steps for the remainder of 2025, members of the Chief Administrative Office will work to determine if and where a purchase order for the remaining demolition work can be issued. Once that purchase order is issued, the payment for the completed work can be processed.
Orleans Parish School Board Requests Harrah’s Funding
The Orleans Parish School Board outlined why Harrah’s Funding is vital, particularly for vulnerable pupils at Travis Hill School. The Board requested approximately $2.7 million. While the Committee did not vote on the allocation, members confirmed the matter will go before the full Council at the Regular Meeting on December 18, 2025.
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