Finding affordable housing in New Orleans can be a challenge, especially for those with low incomes. Fortunately, there are a number of resources available to help people find the right shared housing unit. In this article, we'll explore the special considerations for people with low incomes when it comes to finding a shared housing unit in New Orleans. The City's Office of Community Development is working hard to make the rent registration process as easy as possible for those with limited financial means.
This will help ensure that buildings meet safety and health standards and that neighborhoods can welcome new residents without pricing out those who have been in New Orleans for years. The Office of Community Development is collaborating with nonprofit affordable housing advocates, such as HousingNOLA, HUD, and Enterprise, to create a training program to support local CDCs and identify any gaps or redundancies in the community development sector. Large lots owned by the Orleans Parish School Board, the New Orleans Housing Authority, and the City of New Orleans can also be used for affordable and mixed-income housing development if they are no longer needed for public purposes and are eligible for alienation. Fair housing is governed by laws such as the Fair Housing Act, but it is important to remember that the application and spirit of the law go beyond the law.
With better information and clear policies, the City will be able to effectively advocate with state and federal housing agencies, national non-profit organizations, and other entities to allocate resources to the type and quantity of housing and housing programs needed. Vouchers can provide low-income families with real options for where to live, including the opportunity to live in neighborhoods with less poverty and greater opportunities. The historic core of New Orleans, historic urban neighborhoods, and small-scale post-war residential neighborhoods tend to be some of the neighborhoods with the greatest opportunities and the highest value. Employers are an important group in housing discussions because their workforce often needs a variety of housing options available for different income levels. In addition, HUD has established maximum thresholds for the amount that income limits can change from year to year in order to minimize disruptions in the operation of the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program.
Any entity that manages HUD funds must complete a housing equity assessment in order to access federal funds. Finding affordable shared housing in New Orleans can be a challenge for those with low incomes. However, there are resources available to help people find the right shared housing unit. By understanding fair housing laws, collaborating with nonprofit affordable housing advocates, utilizing large lots owned by public entities, and taking advantage of HUD programs such as vouchers, low-income residents can find safe and affordable shared housing units.
