NOLA.com: New Orleans is giving $5M in COVID money to 10 nonprofits for new economic mobility project
NOCC receiving $500,000 toward career prep and technical education for underemployed youth
NEW ORLEANS (TP|Nola.com) — New Orleans is handing out millions in federal American Rescue Plan Act money to 10 local nonprofits as part of a new economic mobility project, the city announced Wednesday.
Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s administration will direct $5 million to 10 community-based organizations s as part of the city’s Economic Mobility in Motion project.
Each group will receive between $250,000 and $1 million for initiatives aimed at improving financial literacy, career opportunities and economic prospects, Cantrell said in a press release.
The programs will help an estimated 3,000 people.
“The selected programs represent a variety of initiatives that are making a real difference for our people, and I express my gratitude to them for ensuring no one is left behind as we move New Orleans forward,” Cantrell said in the press release.
Projects proposed include guaranteed income programs for 100 pregnant mothers under the March of Dimes and for 800 at-risk students who attend the Rooted School on Southern University’s campus. Both organizations were awarded $1 million.
The First 72+, a group that connects formerly incarcerated people with critical resources, was awarded $500,000, along with the New Orleans Career Center in support of healthcare and technical education programs for underemployed youth.
"Economic stability is a critical determinant of an individual's health outcomes,” said Director of New Orleans Health Department Dr. Jennifer Avegno. “Addressing social needs through anti-poverty programs, financial literacy and asset building has been shown to significantly improve length and quality of life,” she said.