Travelers Aid Society of Greater New Orleans emergency assistance programs.
Case managers from Travelers Aid Society of Greater New Orleans on a one to one basis with clients, who will mostly be financially struggling individuals. The goal of the support offered from the organization is to address everything from emergency rent and utility issues that could lead to homelessness to lack of employment. (Note some of the Travelers Aid Society of Greater New Orleans, such as homeless prevention, were formally run by the House of Ruth.)
The non-profit will try to offer help to these individuals to keep them in their homes and work with them on creating more financial independence in the future. When contacting the agency the person will be directed to resources available to them in New Orleans.
Many resources are available for residents from the greater Orleans parish region, including Crisis Intervention Counseling Program as well as employment counseling. Through scheduled appointments with counselors, those who participate will need to provide their job history and identify barriers to finding long term, stable employment. In addition, they set work goals, review the person’s resume and fine tune their interview skills with coaching. Since Travelers Aid Society of Greater New Orleans is well established in the community, job referrals and training opportunities are made available as well to partner agencies.
The bottom line is that there are many forms of assistance for employment needs. Or they help people gain new skills. There are services in the parish from job centers. They may allow the use of the computer lab with internet access and resume software, printer, phone and photocopier availability. Other support from the employment services includes free computer training for those with limited skills, bus vouchers or gas cards to a job interview in New Orleans and free professional work clothes.
Homeless prevention is a focus of the Travelers Aid Society of Greater New Orleans, and House of Ruth ran this in the past. The charity may refer a struggling homeowner or tenant to government grant programs. Or they help arrange counseling. While reducing the number of people in the city without a home is a difficult proposition, assistance may be provided to those that qualify.
Financial advice is also available to members of the community. Travelers Aid Society of Greater New Orleans case managers work with clients to educate them on various matters to help them reach long term stability. Assistance includes completing a household budget and identifying financial goals. So whether it is advice to reduce outstanding debts, or tips on rebuilding credit, guidance is offered on who to contact.
Eligible seniors in the community have access to restaurant prepared meals. There are also frozen items available during the holidays. Meals on Wheels will deliver food during the week on a short or long term basis. A small donation is requested by House of Ruth partners, but this is not required. Volunteers bring the meals directly to the senior’s home in Orleans Parish.
The Food Bank in New Orleans regularly receives donated fresh produce and other canned goods. Clients visiting the pantry make their own choices when using the center. This is similar to shopping at a grocery store. What people can expect to find at is fresh, seasonal produce from area gardens and more.
Travelers Aid Society of Greater New Orleans may also have canned vegetables, fruits and meat items, dried beans & rice, dairy products, breads, and more. Some people may be given vouchers so they can shop at local stores for what they want. Also, there is a summer meal service for children. This will help fill the gap as they can't get lunches or breakfast from their school during those time-frames.
Special dietary needs can often be satisfied as well by the pantry. There may be USDA approved meals for low-income seniors. They can meet needs when it comes to diabetes or other needs they have. This will hold true for items from the pantry as well as the Meals on Wheels service.
Travelers Aid Society of Greater New Orleans holiday services
Whether it is Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas, there may be help available. There are free Thanksgiving meals and all the toppings, such as turkeys, for families in low-income households. Christmas hams and meals are also offered. Seniors as well as the homebound in the New Orleans community have the option of requesting a home delivered holiday basket.
Families in need and struggling may also qualify for other support. There are free Christmas toys and maybe gift certificates and case managers from Travelers Aid Society of Greater New Orleans may have information on them. Eligible families may receive unwrapped toys and gifts for their children. This service may also arrange for clients to receive boxes of food and new or used winter coats in good shape.
Holiday support will be distributed based on the size of the family and given out at a temporary site by appointment only. All of these Christmas and Thanksgiving programs are supplied by private donations, local churches and individuals throughout the Orleans Parish community to serve those in need.
Locations and applying for help
As noted, criteria are in place. In addition, referrals are given for housing or other needs by the Travelers Aid Society of Greater New Orleans. Call 504-658-2944 and the main address is 1530 Gravier St, New Orleans, LA 70112.
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