Johnny from Region 1 (New Orleans)

For the past 7 years, 60-year-old Johnny Banks lived on the streets of Central City. He said it was terrible. 

“I was tired of living like I was living. I knew there had to be better things.”

And better things have come for Mr. Banks. He is now living in a brand-new apartment thanks to the hard work of so many people! UNITY Outreach Social Worker Jeremy Finnegan found Mr. Banks on the street, unkempt and so depressed he had almost stopped talking. Easterseals Louisiana Case Manager Gwen Foster did an awesome job of placing him in a beautiful new apartment complex run by nonprofit Belle Reve and is visiting him regularly to provide him with ongoing supportive services to keep him stably housed and improve his health.  

UNITY Outreach Social Worker Jeremy Finnegan found Mr. Banks on the street, unkempt and so depressed he had almost stopped talking. Easterseals Louisiana Case Manager Gwen Foster did an awesome job of placing him in a beautiful new apartment complex run by nonprofit Belle Reve and is visiting him regularly to provide him with ongoing supportive services to keep him stably housed and improve his health.  

 “I’m 100% now,” he said. “I’m much happier, feeling better and looking much better. I love having a roof over my head and enjoy cooking in my kitchen. Really, I just love being able to say ‘I’m going home,’ because I do actually have a home to go to.”

Thank you to all who are part of or have supported UNITY’s Unsheltered Homelessness Initiative and have helped make this happen for Mr. Banks.