Community Resources – New Orleans

You can call emergency services — or use one of these non-police options first. Only call 911 if you feel safe doing so. ICE Watch hotline (New Orleans): 504-221-1499.

Why This Page Exists

Direct, calm support for New Orleans neighbors and visitors. Everything here centers low-tech, low-barrier help with bilingual-friendly language that is easy to translate. Autonomy first, police only when you request it.

Crisis Hotlines (Local + National)

Sometimes you need a human voice and clear next steps. These lines can help you talk through a moment, make a plan, or stay grounded until you feel safer. You never need insurance to call. Police are not contacted unless you ask.

Talk to Someone Right Now

  • Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860 — Peer-run support line for trans people, especially in crisis.
  • Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988 or 800-273-8255 — Free 24/7 support for anyone in emotional distress.
  • LA Sexual Assault Crisis Line: 888-995-7273 — Confidential support for survivors. Text: 225-351-7233.
  • Freedom for Immigrants Family Support Line: 209-757-3733 — Help for people with loved ones in ICE custody.
  • 211 GNO: Dial 211 — Referrals for food, shelter, and mental health care in your zip code.

Local Crisis Teams

  • Metro Crisis Response (Orleans Parish): 504-826-2675 — Mental health & substance-use mobile support (non-police).
  • Jefferson Parish Mobile Crisis Line: 504-832-5123 — 24/7 mental health team.
  • Addiction Helpline: 877-947-5900 — Help with substance use, no judgment.
  • NA Greater New Orleans Helpline: 504-899-6262 — Peer recovery support and meetings info.
  • Family Justice Center (DV Hotline): 504-866-9554 — Domestic and family violence crisis line.

Overdose Prevention & Harm Reduction

Overdose deaths are preventable. These resources exist to keep people alive — no judgment, no paperwork. No ID required.

Naloxone (Narcan)

  • Available without prescription at CVS, Walgreens, and Crescent City Pharmacy (2240 Simon Bolivar).
  • Genoa Healthcare (2221 Philip St.) offers free intranasal Narcan kits.
  • Ask the pharmacist: “I need naloxone (Narcan), please. It's for emergency use.”

Free Masks & Respiratory Safety

  • Fight Covid NOLA: Offers free N95/KN95 masks, rapid tests, and air purifier help. Instagram: @fightcovidnola

Free Food, Meals, & Community Fridges

Food is a safety issue. These options are walk-up, no ID, no judgment.

Community Fridges

Fridges across the city are stocked and cleaned by neighbors. Take what you need, leave what you can.

Food Pantries & Meals

Mutual Aid & Immediate Help

Mutual aid is neighbors supporting neighbors when systems fall short. No eligibility tests. No ID required. No shame.

Imagine Water Works

Trans Income Project

QT Care House

  • Instagram @qtcarehouse
  • LGBTQ+ collective of holistic healers.
  • Free and sliding-scale wellness services for queer and trans community members.

GNO Caring Collective

Mutual-aid volunteers may have limited capacity; response times can vary.

5. Violence, Survivor, & Legal Safety

If you’re surviving harm — at home, at work, in a relationship, or from the state — you deserve support that honors your autonomy. These resources do not require a police report.

Advocacy & Mediation

Survivor-Led & Shelter Support

You can bring someone with you to any appointment. You can ask questions. You can decline any option that doesn’t feel safe.

6. LGBTQIA+ Safety Resources

Queer and trans residents make this city stronger — and also face additional risks. These resources center LGBTQIA+ safety, community, and dignity.

Community & Advocacy

Wellness & Youth Spaces

  • QT Care House — Instagram @qtcarehouse; holistic wellness events with free and sliding-scale care for queer and trans community members.
  • Trans Queer Youth NOLA — Instagram @transqueeryouth.nola; youth-led project for ages 12–24 offering free activities like movie nights and gender-affirming workshops.
  • New Orleans Pride Center — 504-317-1627 • nolapridecenter.org; hub space with groups including trans-youth support.

Name and pronoun respect is non-negotiable here.

7. Storm Preparedness, Power, & Charging Stations

Storms, heat, and outages are part of life here. These resources help you stay connected, safe, and prepared.

Stay Powered

  • Imagine Water Works: Hurricane guides, Community Power Map, Mutual Aid Facebook group. imaginewaterworks.org • text 504-858-0200.
  • Broadmoor Lighthouse Program: 2021 S. Dupre — Solar-powered charging and AC during outages. 504-249-5130.
  • New Orleans Public Library — 504-596-2560 • nolalibrary.org; citywide Wi-Fi, computers, charging, limited free printing, and AC during outages and heat waves.

Before the Storm

  • Write down at least one phone number on paper.
  • Identify two regroup points.
  • Keep a small go-bag accessible.
  • Screenshot or print key pages from Parish Protect.

8. Youth Safety & Teen Support

Young people deserve adults who listen without punishing or judging. These spaces provide support without demanding explanations.

Drop-In & Youth Programs

Youth & Teen Textlines

  • National Runaway Safeline: 1-800-RUNAWAY; 24/7 helpline for runaway, homeless, and at-risk youth.
  • VIA Link Teen Line: Text 833-TXT-TEEN — Louisiana-specific teen crisis line.
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 — 24/7 chat for big feelings.

You’re not being dramatic. You’re allowed to ask for help. You deserve to be safe.

Verification Notice

Details above come from the July 2025 New Orleans Community Resource Guide; check individual sites or call ahead for the latest hours and availability.

Community Contribution Prompt

Know about a resource we should add? Email hello@parishprotect.click or use the about page.