Healthy Community Resources & Advocacy

Healthy Community Services is committed to educating vulnerable communities with the knowledge to make informed decisions concerning resilient sustainable lifestyles and nutritional needs by creating access to healthy food choices; leading healthy lifestyles inclusive of safe homes, workplaces & neighborhoods; and promoting the incorporation of sustainable green infrastructure alternatives into everyday living. Integrity and commitment are paramount to providing a successful, healthy service to

In 2021 Healthy Community Services impact in the 7th Ward were:

*25 Green Infrastructure Projects. managing urban flooding of 50,000 gallons of storm water/per event (i.e., french drains, planter boxes). "The Vision to Reality Storm Water Management Site," at the NW corner of N. Claiborne and St Bernard Avenues is managing 35,000 gallons of rain water per rain event. This site is mitigating flooding on a Hurricane Evacuation route and business corridor

*16 Rain Barrels Installation harvesting 800 gallons of storm water/per event.

*267 trees planted for the 7th Ward Urban Heat Island Research Project. An additional 75 trees were planted in 2021.
Installation of a Solar Powered Weather Station that compliments the heat sensors which monitors and provides weather data to 7th Ward Residents, such as extreme heat indices. At the solar powered weather station, residents are able to charge small electronic devices after adverse weather events or power outages.

*Growers Permit issued by the Louisiana Dept. of Agriculture for the Green Infrastructure Farm, inclusive of a Solar Powered Greenhouse and outdoor educational space.

*Hosted Cohort 3 of the Native Plant Academy to introduce youth aged 12-19 years old to the flora and fauna of SE Louisiana. This interactive educational experience provides underserved youth an opportunity to become environmental stewardship.

*Co-hosted the "Cultural Culinary Competentcy Cohort. This experience explored the cultural significance of the Creole Tomato and Mirliton in African American and Hispanic cuisine in SE Louisiana. 10 families were provided access to Farmer's Markets, Heirloom featured crops, and container gardening supplies. Local celebrity chefs prepared the featured crops, while a food anthropologist provided a historical context of the featured crops.

Co-hosted the #Culture of Cleanliness Kick-Off Campaign. This initiative is to create trash free waters ways. The goal is to concentrate efforts on litter and trash abatement to mitigate flooding caused by clogged catch basins.