The Mayor’s Office of Housing Policy and Community Development (OCD), in collaboration with nonprofit organizations SBP and New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA) and other community partners, have broken ground on a groundbreaking affordable housing project in the Lower Ninth Ward. The $11.7 million development, known as St. Claude Gardens II, will see the construction of 39 new affordable housing units across 20 scattered lots in the neighborhood. This initiative marks a significant step forward in revitalizing the area and addressing the pressing need for affordable housing in the city.

OCD Director Tyra Johnson Brown, along with District E Councilmember Oliver Thomas, SBP New Orleans Executive Director Kenneth Morgan Jr., and NORA Executive Director Brenda Breaux, were among the officials present at the groundbreaking ceremony. The project, scheduled to commence in June 2024, underscores the city’s commitment to providing safe, resilient, and energy-efficient housing options for its residents.

St. Claude Gardens II is funded through a combination of sources, including Low Income Housing Tax Credits, HOME funding from the City of New Orleans, NHTF funding through LHC, traditional debt, and other financial considerations. The development aims to create a resilient and inclusive community, providing residents with wrap-around services tailored to their diverse needs.

Brown emphasized the importance of affordable housing in the city’s revitalization efforts, particularly in areas like the Lower Ninth Ward that have faced disinvestment since Hurricane Katrina. She lauded the partnership with SBP and NORA, highlighting their dedication to supporting the local community.

Councilmember Thomas echoed Brown’s sentiments, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the project and its potential to address the city’s challenges effectively. He expressed optimism about the project’s impact on working families in the community and emphasized the need for similar initiatives throughout the Lower Ninth Ward.

SBP Executive Director Kenneth Morgan Jr. underscored the organization’s commitment to building inclusive housing units that provide displaced survivors with the opportunity to thrive. He praised the collaborative efforts that made St. Claude Gardens II possible and emphasized the importance of affordable housing in under-resourced communities.

BankPlus Executive Vice President Jeff Ehlinger commended the project for its role in improving housing options in the Lower Ninth Ward and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting the community. He highlighted the importance of resilient homes in safeguarding families against future natural disasters.

Phase III of St. Claude Gardens is already in pre-development and is expected to bring an additional 66 units to the area, further contributing to the city’s affordable housing stock. With these initiatives, the City of New Orleans remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing the housing needs of its residents and building stronger, more resilient communities.