City of New Orleans Welcomes and Supports Evacuees Sheltered in New Orleans

The City of New Orleans continues to welcome and offer support to the growing number of evacuees who are sheltered by the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) in New Orleans hotels following Hurricane Laura's impacts.

Welcome

Evacuees are encouraged to text WELCOMENOLA to 888777 or to visit ready.nola.gov/welcome for information on resources, services, and events during their stay. 

Donations

The New Orleans Health Department and the New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness are working with DCFS to identify evacuee needs that can be filled by the generosity of community organizations and residents. The United Way of Southeast Louisiana, in partnership with Councilmember Helena Moreno and Mayor LaToya Cantrell, provided 2,000 welcome bags with toiletries to evacuees today. 

On Monday, Aug. 31 and Tuesday, Sep. 1, the United Way and the Junior League of New Orleans will accept donations for select items identified by DCFS as high priority needs:

United Way Donation Drop Off

Items being sought for donations include soap, hand sanitizer, masks, lotion, baby powder, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, brushes, combs, cotton swabs, chapstick, small children’s toys, and feminine hygiene products. These items can be dropped off at the United Way, 2515 Canal St., Monday and Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Junior League Donation Drop Off

Items being sought for donations include clean, new or gently-used clothing (men's, women's, children) and new socks and underwear. These items can be dropped off at the Junior League, 4319 Carondelet St., Monday and Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Please do not drop off any donations directly at shelters. 

COVID-19 Testing

Free COVID-19 testing will be provided to evacuees by the Louisiana National Guard Sunday, Aug. 30 and Monday, Aug. 31. On both days testing will be available from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Hilton Riverside, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the New Orleans Marriott, and from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Sheraton. Evacuees are encouraged to pre-register at doineedacovid19test.com, although pre-registration is not required. 

Evacuees are reminded that COVID-19 restrictions are in place in New Orleans. Masks are required in public and gathering sizes are limited to 25 people. More information on COVID restrictions are available at ready.nola.gov/reopening.