The New Orleans City Council is requesting information from the New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity after reports that the nonprofit sold properties in Musicians’ Village, a community created for local musicians and cultural contributors after Hurricane Katrina. The sales have led to residents facing rents three times higher than their original payments, prompting Councilmembers and residents to seek clarification on the neighborhood’s future affordability and management.
In 2024, under the leadership of Councilmember Lesli Harris, the City Council provided a $2 million support package to assist more than 120 Habitat homeowners facing potential foreclosure due to rising insurance costs. According to an official statement, Councilmember Harris expressed concern, stating, “That is why this situation is so concerning. A decision of this magnitude, one that could impact culturally rooted residents in Musicians’ Village, should have come with transparency and collaboration.”
Council President JP Morrell and Vice President Helena Moreno expressed concerns about the lack of protections for tenants, describing the actions as “disturbing and contradictory to Habitat for Humanity’s mission,” as per the New Orleans City Council. Musicians’ Village was originally created to support musicians in New Orleans’ recovery from Hurricane Katrina, and the recent property sales have raised questions about the alignment with that initial purpose…