Broadmoor Responds to COVID-19: A Message from BIA Executive Director Sarah Pritchard
Dear Broadmoor Residents,
In this difficult and uncertain time, the Broadmoor Improvement Association is here to support you and your family. As we face the reality of the crisis caused by the Coronavirus epidemic and its consequences — including economic uncertainty, unemployment, social isolation, and illness — the BIA is organizing neighborhood-based responses to keep Broadmoor residents safe and supported in the long-term. I’m proud that Broadmoor is a neighborhood that takes care of its own. Now more than ever, we will need each other to get through this crisis.
Here are ways that the BIA is currently working to support Broadmoor residents in need:
The Broadmoor Food Pantry continues our regular operations on Mondays from 10:00 am–12:00 pm and Wednesdays from 1:00–3:00 pm at the Broadmoor Community Church (2021 S. Dupre). Anyone in need of emergency food assistance during this time can visit the pantry to determine their eligibility or call the BIA and leave a message at the wellness extension to request food delivery if you are home-bound. New clients will need to bring ID, proof of residence, and proof of income.
The BIA’s team of social work professionals are continuing to offer case management through phone calls and virtual meetings. If you need support connecting with social services (or you know of a neighbor who needs support), please call the BIA at 504-249-5130 and leave a message or email us at wellness@broadmoorimprovement.com.
We are continuing to receive daily updates from the City of New Orleans and our community-based partners across the City regarding resources in response to this Crisis. We will be updating our website and social media pages (on Facebook and Twitter) with the most current resources for Broadmoor residents.
As we mobilize community resources to support our most vulnerable Broadmoor neighbors, the BIA has created this survey for Broadmoor residents to fill out if you have an anticipated need OR if you have resources you would like to share. Please fill out this survey and share it with your friends and neighbors so we can build a neighborhood network of support in this time!
At the Broadmoor Neighborhood Meeting on Monday, BIA board member Justin Boone shared resources that are available through the City. You can listen to the recording of Monday’s neighborhood meeting here, and read notes from the meeting here. The NOLA Ready website is the best central place to find resources. You can also call 2-1-1 to access city-wide supports. Here are a few others that Justin mentioned at our neighborhood meeting that I know you might be wondering about:
For parents dealing with school closures: The New Orleans Public Schools have opened feeding locations across the City where students can pick up grab-and-go breakfast and lunches. You can find the full list of feeding locations here.
For those dealing with work shortages and unemployment: The New Orleans Business Alliance has started a fund to support gig workers who are struggling with a loss of income as a result of the epidemic. You can apply for support through this fund here. If you have been laid off or your hours have been reduced as a result of this crisis, you may be eligible for unemployment. You can file an unemployment claim online here.
For those struggling with finances: The City of New Orleans has halted all eviction court proceedings for as long as the state of emergency remains in effect. If someone is trying to evict you, contact Southeast Louisiana Legal Services at 504-529-1000. Sewerage & Water Board and Entergy have suspended all shut-offs as a result of this crisis. If you are in need of emergency financial assistance, contact the Office of Community Development at 504-658-4200.
Please stay tuned for more updates as the BIA continues to coordinate the neighborhood-based response to this emergency. As we all take measures to observe safe social distancing and prevent the spread of disease, we encourage you to care for yourself by calling friends and neighbors, spending time outdoors if you’re able, eating well and resting. Just as Broadmoor emerged as a model for community-based response in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, I know that we will be leaders in the City of New Orleans and nationally as we come together to care for our most vulnerable neighbors. Please remember to fill out the survey with your needs and ability to contribute and take care of yourself and one another!
In solidarity,
Sarah Pritchard
Executive Director, Broadmoor Improvement Association
*Cover image by Monica Trinidad.