Our mission is to transform unjust housing policies, discriminatory practices, and inequitable development schemes by engaging in strategies that create permanently affordable housing, advance tenant rights, expand housing security, and uphold equitable housing patterns and land use planning.
Last month, we mentioned two horrendous bills in the state legislature (HB 211 and HB 616) that aim to arrest people for being unhoused on the streets and create bureaucratic barriers for homeless service providers. We’re sad to say that both bills passed out of their respective house committees during the first week of April. We’re working with a statewide coalition to defeat the most horrific aspects of these bills, but we need your help. As residents in Orleans Parish, we send a ridiculous amount of money via sales taxes to Baton Rouge. It’s time to stand up and let the politicians know: Not in my name. Check out the social media accounts for Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center (@louisiana_fairhousing), Jane Place (@janeplace_communitylandtrust), and NOHHARRM (@nohharrm) for ways to take action during the first two weeks of May.
What’s Next for the Legislature?
We’re currently monitoring a few bills that could impact you, your loved ones, and neighbors. Bills we’re watching include HB 335 (a bill that seeks to monitor and prevent residents who aren’t citizens from receiving public benefits), HB 457 (a bill that could outlaw group homes, including sober houses), HB 864 (would prevent folks from providing food and mutual aid underneath state highways to unhoused folks), and HB 292 (a bill that would allow your landlord to hold on to your security deposit for a longer period of time).
However, there are some good things! HB 808 seeks to create more protections for people living with HIV. HB 712 seeks to provide state ID fee waivers for folks who are unhoused. HB 741 provides housing vouchers for folks who face human trafficking. Lastly, HB 472 would allow for rent stabilization. We hope these can pass, so please don’t forget to email your state rep. Go to tinyurl.com/whomyLAreps to look up YOUR state representative and senator! Email and call them, let them know your feelings.
Day of Homelessness Action
On April 8, folks from every corner of our state came out to speak against funding cuts, carceral policies, and other dangerous aspects of our state’s plan for targeting the unhoused population. Members of the People’s Council, a group of folks with lived experiences being on the street, spoke in support of better policies. As one member beautifully said, “You cannot police your way out of a mental crisis. To the policymakers, lived experience is expertise. We aren’t just vulnerable populations, we’re the stakeholders! We know which programs work and which ones are red tape. Stop legislating at us, start legislating with us!”
For the People, By the People: 30 Days of Housing Justice Celebration and Resource Fair
While there’s a lot of terrible news, we must acknowledge our victories. We come together every June for the monthlong “30 Days of Housing Justice.” This celebration every June includes protests, film viewings, workshops, and resource distribution events. A big goal of the series’ events is to educate folks about their rights. At the “30 Days of Housing Justice Celebration and Resource Fair” on Saturday, June 6 (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.) at First Grace United Methodist Church, you’ll be able to get a FREE renters’ rights legal consultation from an expert housing attorney. Furthermore, over 20 partner organizations and groups will be conducting health screenings, doing resource giveaways, and giving out free food (e.g., pizza, produce, and more!). For more information and/or if you’re interested in volunteering, please email Frank at frank@jpnsi.org.
Upcoming Fun Events, Workshops, and How to Connect
Wanna get involved? Get informed? Join us at these events!
New Orleans Renters’ Rights Assembly (and Renters’ Rights Legal Clinic)
Thursday 5/7
6 to 8 p.m.
First Grace UMC (entrance through back parking lot)
3401 Canal St. 70119
Renters’ Rights Legal Clinic (come chat with a lawyer for free!)
Tuesday 5/12 and Wednesday 5/20
6 to 8 p.m.
Jane Place’s Office
200 S. Broad Street, Ste. 200
Walking Tour of Cooperative Housing, Land Trusts, and Collectives in Mid-City
Sunday 5/31
11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Email Frank at frank@jpnsi.org for registration
30 Days of Housing Justice Celebration and Summer Resource Fair
(FREE healthcare, FREE food/produce, and FREE fun)
Saturday 6/6
11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
First Grace UMC (entrance through back parking lot)
3401 Canal St. 70119
(Volunteer at tinyurl.com/30Days2026)
For more information, go to jpnsi.org or @janeplace_communitylandtrust on Instagram, email frank@jpnsi.org, or text UPDATES to 504-517-5470 with your name and the event you have interest in.
