A year ago today, on February 7th, 2017, a category EF-3 tornado devastated large portions of New Orleans East. This was the strongest tornado ever recorded in the city’s history, destroying up to 300 homes and injuring over 30 people. Luckily, there was no loss of life, but residents in the East are still feeling the impact of this weather event today.
Following the tornado, the Neighborhood Engagement Office immediately mobilized to assist residents at the temporary shelter at Joe Brown Park. NEO staff assisted in coordinating meals, distributing supplies, directing traffic, and organizing relief services for displaced residents. NEO operated in this capacity until the temporary shelter closed—working closely with Emergency Management services to ensure that New Orleans East residents were taken care of until they could return to their neighborhoods. Further, NEO staff was involved in extensive damage surveying, as well as in debris-clearing operations. We coordinated with faith leaders across the City to ensure that residents had access to donated resources.
We were moved by the resolve of the residents in the face of adversity. It was also incredible to see the outpouring of generosity from those all over the City.
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