Angels in the East

In a matter of months, a never-before-seen virus spread from a small region in China to affect every part of the globe, including right here in Eastern New Orleans. The pandemic quickly changed the way we live our lives and presented us with staggering challenges–but in the face of seemingly overwhelming difficulties, ordinary members of our community rose to the challenges, providing desperately needed care, supplies and financial donations.

When they were needed the most, they stepped up and became heroes.

One organization that has been instrumental in fighting back against the coronavirus in the area is New Orleans East Hospital (NOEH). There, frontline medical workers have provided tests and vaccines to help curb the spread of the virus. They also cared for those who contracted the virus and became sick, including those who passed away as a result, oftentimes being with them to the end.

“COVID-19 is the story you hear about in nursing school that you never expect to have to live through,” says Kristine New, RN and Administrative Manager of COVID Clinical Operations at the hospital. 

Fortunately, the staff at New Orleans East Hospital wasted no time getting to work.

“NOEH was able to initiate a drive thru testing site on campus in less than 48 hours,” New says. “We were able to partner with locations throughout the greater New Orleans area to provide onsite testing for the community so that they can know their status and help to protect others.”

Because of their incredible efforts, more than 14,000 tests have been completed and over 19,500 vaccinations administered, at the time of this writing. The hospital also partnered with local companies to expand their reach—for instance, a collaboration with The Bardell Co., a local McDonald’s franchisee, offered free meals to anyone receiving a vaccine. It’s a testament to the resiliency of the hospital staff.

“Every day we were presented with new challenges, new information, and new changes that we had to quickly adapt to, as well as communicate to all who were affected,” says Danielle Willis, the hospital’s Chief Financial Officer. “At the heart of our operations was the care and compassion for our community, which drove us to perform at a high level and conquer challenges each day.”

That very same compassion also drove community groups such as Household of Faith Family Worship Church. They were able to distribute hundreds of masks and tons of food to people in need. They helped people pay their light bills. But helping others is nothing new to Household of Faith.

“Prior to COVID, weekly at our Uptown location we served hot meals, gave haircuts and free clothing to anyone and everyone in need,” says Dale Barriere, Household of Faith’s First Lady. When the virus reached their community, they simply answered the call and stepped up their efforts. “COVID put the spotlight on our ministry when we partnered with Second Harvest and began massive food outreaches in March, serving thousands instead of hundreds.”

In the beginning of the pandemic, Household of Faith was distributing more than 100,000 pounds of food each month. While they’ve slowed down to around 40-50 thousand pounds, they’re still at it—and they will be until the job is done. It’s just how they operate.

“The Bible says that the greatest among us is the servant,” says Barriere. “The opportunities being the First Lady of Household of Faith have presented have been wonderful, but I take more pride and joy in being a servant of God.”

One thing’s for sure: there are angels in Eastern New Orleans, and when they were faced with a global challenge, they came together to work miracles and take care of their community. With care providers and community partners like NOEH and Household of Faith, there is no storm Eastern New Orleans can’t weather.