History

The History The Greater New Orleans First Responders Fund, a 501 C3 nonprofit corporation, was created to address the severe conditions and challenges facing police, fire, and EMS departments throughout the Greater New Orleans area.

Founded by Blaine Kern Sr. in 2007, the Greater New Orleans First Responders Fund is focused on providing tangible benefits to first responders that will strengthen the recruiting and retention efforts of local departments. This Fund intends to act as an intermediary between the private, public, and nonprofit sectors to facilitate resources in ways that will support our programs and ultimately contribute to the betterment of New Orleans area first responders. ]

The first priority of the Greater New Orleans First Responders Fund is housing. We intend to create a comprehensive housing initiative that will encompass both financial assistance for the purchase of a home and a rental program that offers an apartment unit to first responders of Orleans Parish. Although our long-term goal is to serve the 5 parish Greater New Orleans region, we recognize the critical condition of New Orleans and the subsequent spillover effects the surrounding parishes are facing. We believe New Orleans is the soul of this region who breathes life into the surrounding parishes. Servicing it first and foremost guarantees a stronger future for the entire region.

Housing is the single most challenging aspect of post-Katrina New Orleans. Immediately following hurricane Katrina, The New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation estimated that 70 to 80 percent of New Orleans first responders suffered significant damage to their home. Nearly one year later, a reported 60 percent were still living in temporary housing.

The overwhelming working environment coupled with stressful living conditions is enough reason for first responders, particularly New Orleans police officers, to relocate to another jurisdiction. Our first responders are the best in the country and are often recruited by competing municipalities that have lower crime rates, higher salaries, and a HOME to return to at night.

Offering a housing incentive to first responders that complements thecompensation package and stabilizes their home life is exactly what The Greater New Orleans First Responders Fund believes will aid the recruiting and retention of highly qualified first responders.