Charity head says 'new' New Orleans needs mixed-income neighborhoods

Published: 2006-01-16

NEW ORLEANS (CNS) -- James Kelly, CEO of Catholic Charities in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, told a congressional field hearing Jan. 13 in New Orleans that mixed-income neighborhoods must be part of any plans to rebuild the city. "Rebuilding should be carried out in a manner that treats the area's poorest citizens with the same respect and dignity as the more affluent. High ground should be set aside for the poor and the rich -- both black and white," he said. A copy of his testimony was released after the hearing. Kelly stressed that mixed-income neighborhoods are critical to a successful future of New Orleans and said that "without government intervention and assistance, the market will not be kind to the less fortunate." Kelly testified before the House Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity chaired by U.S. Rep. Robert W. Ney, R-Ohio. The subcommittee held two field hearings in mid-January as part of an ongoing series of hearings on housing options in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

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