STAND for Dignity
To Define, Create, and Speak for Ourselves
STAND was created after Katrina by a group of survivors, elders, fathers, skilled workers, and cultural artists who believe unity and self-determination are the most viable solutions for devastated low-income communities of New Orleans; especially at a time when government leaders have abandoned the needs of the people.
In the winter of 2007, over 1400 people transformed Duncan Plaza and “The Bridge” into temporary shelters. As the homeless population doubled to 12,000, the need for a comprehensive housing plan and right to return became apparent. Local New Orleans elected officials offered temporary solutions with shelter beds and hotel vouchers, which delayed the crisis but worsened the impact. New Orleans was recycling homeless people. During the crack-down on Duncan Plaza
seven men gathered and realized their common struggle was a permanent solution for both the housing and unemployment crisis. The partnership between displaced residents and community leaders struggling to rebuild their communities is where STAND’s struggle begins.
For news articles written about STAND, click here.
