HousingNOLA Advocacy

Small Center Engagement

Small Center staff and two 2016 Summer Public Interest Design Fellows worked closely with GNOHA to unpack the lessons offered by their HousingNOLA study for a broad audience. First, the team created 15 unique brochures aimed at key stakeholders including state legislators, renters, specific neighborhoods, and home buyer educators; the brochures offered straightforward and accessible information about housing needs in New Orleans and how each neighborhood, professional, or political constituency might contribute to the goal of affordable housing for everyone in New Orleans. Second, they created a “New Orleans Housing Density” presentation that was used to advocate for transit-oriented development and maintaining historic density during the city’s amendment process for the Master Plan. Finally, the team created a report card used to track yearly progress toward the goals of the 10-year HousingNOLA plan, aiming to achieve a more equitable New Orleans through housing.

Partner Organization

The Greater New Orleans Housing Alliance is a collaborative of nonprofit housing builders and community development corporations working to rebuild the housing stock available in the city of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina devastated the city’s infrastructure. Since its creation in 2007, GNOHA has sought to create change in the Greater New Orleans community through public policy advocacy and public education. The collaborative advocates for the preservation and production of affordable housing for people within the Greater New Orleans metropolitan region and places a special emphasis on the needs of the most vulnerable in society – seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, low-wage workers and low-income families.

Outcome

In Fall 2016, GNOHA released their first annual HousingNOLA Report Card, utilizing the design and research of the Small Center team. GNOHA uses the audience-specific brochures on an ongoing basis to inform neighborhood groups and other stakeholders regarding the aims and accomplishments of the HousingNOLA plan. To view the completed brochures, please click here.

Collaborators

Greater New Orleans Housing Alliance

• Andreanecia Morris

Asakura Robinson

• Alexandra Miller