"Re-entry service providers in New Orleans are doing a tremendous job, but they are grossly underfunded. This grant will enable dollars to go where they are needed most."

NEW ORLEANS - The Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections has announced the award of a Justice Reinvestment Initiative (JRI) grant to Goodwill Inc. to increase re-entry services in New Orleans.

"Providing returning citizens the opportunities to find housing, employment and other assistance is essential for their success," said Councilmember-At-Large Helena Moreno. "Re-entry service providers in New Orleans are doing a tremendous job, but they are grossly underfunded. This grant will enable dollars to go where they are needed most."

Over the past several months Councilmember Moreno's office has worked to compile information on over 100 re-entry service providers in New Orleans. The goal is to soon make this information easily accessible to the public.

"Our work to compile this information is a result of a collaborative effort with the City's Re-Entry Task Force. It is essential to increase coordination between all service providers to better meet the needs of returning citizens. Ultimately, the goal should be to provide a one-stop shop approach with many service providers under one roof. I truly look forward to working with the Mayor's office to make this a reality." Moreno said.

JRI grants are funded by part of the savings created through Governor Edwards expansive Criminal Justice Reform initiatives signed into law in 2017. A portion of the savings produced from criminal justice reform is allocated to award grants to community organizations. Louisiana is projected to safely reduce the state's prison population by 10 percent, reduce community supervision population by 12 percent, and save a projected $262 million over the next decade. Additionally, 70 percent of the total savings will be reinvested into programs and policies proven to reduce recidivism and support victims of crime.

Councilmember Moreno has been a staunch advocate for re-entry initiatives, including during her time in the State Legislature, authoring legislation that created Louisiana's Re-entry Court System.

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Contact:
Andrew Tuozzolo
Chief of Staff
Office of Councilmember-at-Large Helena Moreno
AVTuozzolo@nola.gov
(504) 281-9882