Homeless with Addictions Finding Their Way

Thousands of persons who are homeless walk the streets of New Orleans. It’s hard to know how to help. Understanding that about 40 percent of homeless struggle with substance abuse can make things seem more complex.

Volunteers of America has a permanent solution with our two SROs (Single Room Occupancy). We put our 100-plus years of experience in helping persons with these problems to work in a contemporary state-of-the-art program that provides permanent, affordable housing for men and women in recovery.

The SROs are modeled on Volunteers of America facilities in other cities which have proven to give these persons the best chance of recovering, getting off the streets and living productive lives. They save lives and change lives.

The Duvernay Residence, 1801 Canal St., reopened in 2006 after suffering extensive hurricane damage. It houses 70 and originally opened in 2002. Also damaged was the Tulane Avenue SRO, 3901 Tulane Ave., which has housed 80 since 1997 and reopened in March 2007.
Both SROs are part of Volunteers of America's Coming Back Home initiative to supply affordable housing and boost the recovery of New Orleans.

SROs provide:

• A safe place to recover. Skilled staff and facilities provide a stable environment to support continued recovery. Persons who have been in recovery for six months may apply to live in the SROs.

• A permanent place to live. Residents may stay as long as it takes to turn their lives around. The SRO has affordable, furnished, private rooms, with bathrooms and kitchens nearby. Residents prepare their own meals. Communal living areas are place to visit and enjoy group activities.

• Life-changing support. A variety of support services — family reunification to case management — supports independence. The staff helps residents stay in recovery while boosting self-confidence. All acquire job skills or needed education.

• A way to rejoin the community. Homelessness and substance abuse isolates persons in despair. The SROs provide an opportunity to live — perhaps for the first time — in a supportive, caring community. As residents gain confidence, the staff helps them become part of the larger community.

To learn more about applying for residence in the SROs or volunteering to help, email us or call 504.299.1260. Volunteers can share their life skills or hobbies or help with other duties.