Ozanam Inn

Mission Statement

At Ozanam Inn, our priority is to offer aid and comfort to the most vulnerable within our community and to treat all who come to us in need with dignity and respect. While the foundation of our mission, it is only part of our work. To understand the root causes of homelessness, we work with individuals to help them transition from homelessness and hopelessness to independence and a renewed sense of self-worth and hope. Through case management and counseling, we help them realize their potential and dreams. With your help, "We give a fish to eat today and teach to fish for tomorrow".

More About Ozanam Inn:

Ozanam Inn Celebrates 70 Years  of Service

2025 marks our 70th anniversary - seven decades of standing beside neighbors in their darkest hours and guiding them toward renewed hope and independence.  To honor this milestone, our theme "A Little Kindness Goes A Long Way!" shines a spotlight on the ripple effects of every compassionate act, from a warm meal to a listening ear.

As we celebrate 70 years, we invite you to join us in both facets of our mission. Extend small acts of kindness today and build lasting empowerment for tomorrow. Together, we'll ensure that the spirit of generosity that carried us from our first day in 1955 continues to light the way for another 70 years and beyond. 

Our Impact

Our extensive services, being offered to the poor, unhoused, and underserved within our community, are geared toward ending the cycle of chronic homelessness and poverty and implementing lasting systemic change. We eliminate the barrier of  unaffordability by offering all services free of charge without regard to race, gender, creed, or political opinions.

Our staff, partners, and volunteers have been instrumental in changing the lives of many who, otherwise, would not have the opportunity to overcome the obstacles preventing them from living a healthy, fulfilled life.

Ozanam Inn Case managers work with an estimated 1200 individuals annually to find the root causes of their situations and solutions to bring them out of their current state of instability and into healthier living scenarios.

Our Supporters Help Us

Offer on-site emergency shelter and residential programs to both males and females!

Provided overnight shelter to more than 1,500 Individuals each year

Serve 600 meals a day or an estimated 200,000 meals annually.

Help 2,000 individuals receive sustenance for their bodies and souls.

Place hundreds of people in permanent Housing through Ozanam Inn's housing programs. (Between 2024 and 2025, 155 unhoused people moved into their own homes.)

Keep our programs, building, and  on-site clinics operating

         Annually, more than 500 patients are seen in our on-site clinics by our partners LSU and Tulane Schools of Medicine, LSU School of 
         Dentistry, Healthcare for the Homeless, and a private/volunteer OB/GYN. 

         Patients are seen 2 days a week by an  on-site Healthcare for the Homeless mental healthcare professional  

        Clients have access to on-site GED/HISET courses, continuing education, skills development, and job search services

Thank you for helping Ozanam Inn change lives and make dreams come true! With your help, we can continue to "Give a Fish for Today and teach to Fish for Tomorrow!

Testimonials:

"Before I came to Ozanam Inn, I was invisible, I felt broken with little self-worth. My life had so much uncertainty and I needed the right place to give me guidance. I was alone and hopeless. Ozanam Inn has given me purpose back. Through the structure and support, I recovered and restored my self-confidence. I made reconciliation with my past. Ozanam Inn gave me the tools I needed to move my life forward." Dave. 

"The greatest gift that God gives you is the gift of love. You do not have to agree with everyone, just love them and forgive. It is not about me, it is about God, doing what is right. I truly am grateful for Ozanam Inn, respect what the staff is doing for the homeless, and will be there any time they ask." Anthony, a Former Ozanam Inn client, regular volunteer, and Master of Counseling from Holy Cross College.

"Because of Ozanam Inn's help, I just realized that I can honestly say to my family that I am doing well! No more drugs, no more alcohol, no more not being able to refrigerate my insulin, and, most importantly, no more being homeless!" Darryl"I

"I came to Ozanam Inn to better myself. I wanted to achieve something in my life without depending on my family. To me, life isn't hard; it's what you make of it. I'm not perfect, and I've done some things that I'm not proud of. My personal belief is that everyone deserves a second chance. The Lord put me here to show him and myself, that I can do this…The sky is the limit on what I am capable of achieving." Orenthial"M

"My daughters and I had been living in a shelter for homeless teens. I'm employed full-time, but I could not afford the apartment deposit and first month's rent. Thanks to Ozanam Inn"