Facing federal uncertainty, New Orleans public housing to raise private funds for resident services

For years, programs for public housing residents in New Orleans, like in many U.S. cities, have relied entirely on funding from the federal government. But with public housing authorities' funding now at risk of cuts under the Trump administration, New Orleans' public housing agency is pursuing private funding and partnerships to provide wraparound services for residents.

The agency hopes to raise between $2 million and $5 million annually to support expanded resident self-sufficiency programs through a newly launched foundation, said Marjorianna Willman, who took over as director of the Housing Authority of New Orleans in January.

The launch of the NOLA SEEDS Foundation, which was granted federal tax-exempt status earlier this month, comes as Willman works to make good on her promise