Healing the Heart of New Orleans: FFL Addresses the Community Impact of the Bourbon Street Tragedy
For a city all too familiar with violence and trauma, the horrific act of terrorism on Bourbon Street, has deeply impacted countless lives. left a wound that will extend far beyond the immediate crisis.
If there is one certainty about New Orleans, it’s that our love for this place is strong. To cherish our people becomes an act of defiance, reaffirming the very identity that this attack sought to destroy. We especially honor those who have to return to the French Quarter to work in the aftermath of this trauma.
Rebuilding a sense of normalcy is a gradual process, as the community works to reclaim its spaces and rediscover a shared sense of safety and belonging. Terrorism seeks to instill fear and division, but it is our collective response that determines the lasting impact.
In this critical moment, the Foundation for Louisiana (FFL) is committed to addressing the psychological toll that violence imposes on our sense of security and identity, facilitating collective healing with accessible mental health and wellness support, and strengthening solidarity by helping communities reclaim shared spaces and renew our bonds of belonging. In the coming days, we will be sharing a number of healing resources and events via our website, social media platforms (Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook), and email.
“Tragedies like this attempt to divide us, but it is our collective response that shapes our future,” said Charmel Gaulden, CEO and President of Foundation for Louisiana. “Healing requires standing together, reclaiming our spaces, and committing to care for one another.”
Take the time to care for yourself and let your heart find the space it needs to heal. Together, we will navigate through this with community, holding each other with care.