Our Mission
To implement projects and programs in housing, health, food access, economic development, advocacy, and education that address systematic poverty and injustice in the 9th Ward of New Orleans.
Since our founding, NENA has built 10 affordable homes, launched a community science club, hosted dozens of health and wellness events, and advocated alongside residents to make the Lower 9th Ward a safer, stronger place to live.
1. Affordable Housing Program
Safe, stable housing is the foundation of everything else NENA does. We increase access to affordable housing by building new homes, providing homebuyer education, and offering financial literacy programs.
What we've done: NENA has successfully developed 10 affordable homes in the Lower 9th Ward, providing families with stability and a path to long-term equity.
What's next: The BuildShare project will construct six additional affordable units on nonprofit-owned lots. We're also offering a ground lease at 5701 St. Claude Avenue to a mission-aligned developer who wants to serve the community.
2. Nutritional & Food Access Initiatives
Food insecurity is a persistent challenge in the Lower 9th Ward. Through partnerships with local food organizations and urban gardening projects, we ensure that residents have access to healthy, fresh food year-round.
Key initiatives:
- Tactical Urban Kitchen — a mobile and community-based cooking and food education program.
- Helena's Healing Garden — an urban garden growing fresh produce for community members.
3. Health and Wellness Programs
NENA hosts health fairs, educational workshops, and community clinics to promote wellness across the 9th Ward. Our partnerships with health organizations bring essential services — including low-cost medical and dental checkups — directly to residents who need them.
Recent events:
- Annual Mother's Day Dinner celebrating community mothers
- MLK Day of Service with health screenings and volunteer activities
- The Inner Pup low-cost veterinary clinics at the NENA Campus
Mother's Day Celebration
MLK Day of Service
Inner Pup Low-Cost Vet Clinic
4. Advocacy and Community Engagement
Advocacy is at the core of NENA's mission. We organize events and campaigns that amplify the voices of Lower 9th Ward residents, ensuring they have a seat at the table when decisions are made that affect their lives.
What this looks like:
- Voter registration drives and candidate forums
- Neighborhood meetings and local government engagement
- Night Out Against Crime events to build community safety
- Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities Book Club — building civic literacy through reading and discussion
Meet and Greet with Judicial Candidates
Night Out Against Crime
LEH Book Club
5. Environmental Wellness Project
We are committed to creating sustainable, green spaces within our community. A cleaner, greener neighborhood is not a luxury — it's a health and safety issue. Through tree planting, community cleanups, and green infrastructure development, we work to make the Lower 9th Ward more livable for everyone.
Our environmental work also improves visibility and safety on neighborhood streets, reducing blight and deterring crime.
6. Youth & Education Programs
60% of children in New Orleans live in single-parent households. The child poverty rate in the Lower 9th Ward is 67%. NENA's youth programs aim to change those odds by building curiosity, confidence, and capability in the next generation.
L9 Community Science Club — funded in part by a generous gift from Entergy New Orleans, the Science Club provides up to 50 children with hands-on STEM kits and activities designed to inspire critical thinking. Learn more about the Science Club →
We also offer mentorship, academic support, and leadership development programming for youth and families.
7. Economic Development
Economic self-sufficiency is inseparable from community health. NENA provides job training and business development support to help residents of the 9th Ward build financial stability and independence.
Our offerings include:
- Resume workshops and job placement assistance
- Entrepreneurship training and small business support
- Financial literacy programs paired with our housing initiatives
We also actively pursue partnerships with local employers and institutions to create pathways to living-wage employment for ward residents.
Want to Support These Programs?
Whether you donate, volunteer, or spread the word — your involvement makes a direct difference in the lives of Lower 9th Ward residents.