“The unfortunate reality is that people in our community are facing or have faced the difficulties of being homeless,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “By establishing this office, my hope is to better serve this population and set them up for long-term stability through affordable housing and jobs so that they may never have to face this again. I'm optimistic about the experience and compassion that Director Fields is bringing to this role, and I believe he can truly make a difference throughout our city.” 

Coming to New Orleans from Baltimore, Fields has nearly a decade of experience in human services and resources. His professional background includes working as the Homeless Outreach Coordinator for both the Baltimore Mayor’s Office of Human Services and for the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore. Having experienced homelessness himself, he brings not only learned experience but lived experience to this office, further demonstrating his empathy and passion for those affected by this issue.  

“Myself and all partners involved are committed to treating our unhoused population with the dignity and respect that all people deserve, while also assuring residents, businesses and stakeholders that we are addressing their concerns,” said Fields. “The end goal is to make homelessness rare and brief, which will lead to a more thriving city and community overall.” 

The in-depth application review, interview and selection process involved several City departments and stakeholders to ensure the City hired the most qualified candidate for the job. The New Orleans Department of Health (NOHD), Office of Community Development (OCD), Office of Economic Development and senior members of the Mayor’s Office, in addition to UNITY of Greater New Orleans and other non-profits and businesses, were all integral to the hiring process. 

“Homelessness is a complex and entrenched national problem requiring expertise and coordination of numerous governmental, nonprofit and social services,” said Dr. Jennifer Avegno, NOHD Director. “By creating an office and director with that singular focus, the City can improve efficient and cohesive service delivery with partners and develop and execute a community strategic plan to substantially reduce homelessness.” 

The goals for this office are to be more proficient at what the City is already doing to serve the persons experiencing homelessness to the best of our ability, as well as understand we must focus on the affordable housing crisis to address the immediate needs these individuals. Another area of concern is to address those persons that are struggling with dual-diagnosis, mental health and addiction issues that might be barriers to housing and employment. Ultimately, these items will be put into a larger plan, which will be the office’s strategic planning process to move the homeless services system forward and hold all the teams in homeless services accountable.