New Orleans homeless experts are warning of encampments returning and layoffs as the Office of Homeless Strategy grapples with a major cut to its budget.
The department’s proposed spending plan for 2026 is $6.4 million, which is roughly 42% less than the nearly $11.1 million received in 2025.
As a result of the drastic cuts, the New Orleans homeless director anticipates a lack of shelter space because of the reduced ability to move those in the shelter into housing, the growth of encampments due to the lack of shelter space, and a potential public safety issue with the possibility of crime increasing…