For generations, the Iberville-Tremé neighborhood of served as a cultural hub for African Americans. However, urban renewal efforts – especially the creation of the I-10 freeway – effectively cut off Iberville-Tremé from much needed resources, leaving residents in a segregated world of their own, with little improvements into the modern era. In 2011, the Housing Authority of New Orleans and the City of New Orleans were granted $30.5 million as part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Choice Neighborhoods Initiative (CNI). The grant award includes plans to revitalize the Iberville-Tremé neighborhood, improving its sustainability and increasing access to high quality services. USI serves as the People Partner in the Iberville-Tremé revitalization.
About the Neighborhood
Connecting Residents to Key Supports: USI works with residents to develop a personalized plan of action to achieve success in life. At the end of 2018 USI was selected by the Housing Authority of New Orleans as the contractor of the Jobs Plus Program design to build upon resident, neighborhood and community partnership to assist families in achieving employment-related and other self-sufficiency goals. With Family Support Service as the center of the Jobs Plus Program strategy, USI connects residents to services ranging from adult education and digital literacy to job readiness and employment placement.
Leading Events that Build Community: USI helped to coordinate and facilitate monthly community meetings to provide residents with a forum to express their concerns, connect with resources and develop programs in the community. Residents have spearheaded the planning and maintenance of a community garden, started training or
the establishment of a Neighborhood Watch Group, developed a Bienville Basin Resident Committee and volunteer their time to extend the hours of operations of the Computer Lab on site.
Enrolling Families in Case Management: Under the Iberville-Tremé Choice Neighborhoods Initiative, USI served over 400 families in Family Support Services and leveraged over $21 million in public and private funds. Nearly 85% of households from the target public housing site participated in active Family Support. At the close of the CNI Grant in 2017, 80% of Family and Individual Development Plans were closed with a positive outcome. Through the establishment of the CNI Endowment Fund, USI was able to continue to provide 134 households at Bienville Basin with Family Support in 2018. These families are being supported in education, health & wellness, and economic mobility.
The Impact
able-bodied, employment aged individuals who are employed
percent of residents connected to a primary care provider
total children enrolled in early learning or extra curricular activities
Bienville Basin residents actively participating in Family Support
Understand how we’ve impacted Bienville Basin since we were first introduced by checking out our dashboard.
Great Day Louisiana Prom Dress Donation
USI invites high school juniors and seniors the chance to receive a donated prom dress or tuxedo. We recognize your hard work and perseverance this past year. Though hardships and challenges may arise, we are here to provide for your prom needs! Plus free jewelry and accessories.
Also get the chance to win some great prom prizes!
- 3 winners will receive free hairstyles provided by Stevensons Academy
- 3 winners will receive free haircuts provided by a local barber
- 1 winner will receive a custom prom dress designed by local high-end designer, Damien Daniels.
Sign up for a free prom dress or tuxedo and to win prom prizes by April 18th.
Stop by the Sojourner Truth Community Center at 2200 Lafitte Avenue any time between 9am to 4pm, Mon-Fri. Or contact Ms. Katrice Harris at (504) 205-3070 to sign up on Sat-Sun.
Want to donate?
Stop by the Sojourner Truth Community Center at 2200 Lafitte Avenue any time between 9am to 4pm, Mon-Fri. We are accepting used, gently worn prom dresses, tuxedos, accessories and monetary donations. Thank you for supporting your local high school juniors and seniors.
