The Partnership

The Greater New Orleans Hotel & Lodging Association (GNOHLA) and New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity (NOAHH) have created a first of its kind “industry focused” partnership to assist hotel and hospitality employees and their families in need of housing.

This partnership confirms hoteliers’ continued support to the New Orleans community. The association has pledged to volunteer 40,000 building hours and raise $300,000 in fundraising support to be dedicated to housing building and construction costs.

GNOHLA President and General Manager of the Hilton Riverside, Fred Sawyers, said “No industry has felt the housing shortages more than ours, and we wanted to step up for our employees and our community. Hoteliers in New Orleans know our employees are the key to our success. Their housing needs are paramount in our mind. We are committed to them and to rebuilding and growing New Orleans’ economy. Our hotel association sees this as a long-term, hands-on initiative that will benefit the hospitality industry and our community.”

Financial Contributions

Joe Blanchek, General Manager of the Marriott at the Convention Center, announced the Marriott International and Marriott branded hotels of New Orleans financial contribution of $15,000 in support of the GNOHLA–NOAHH Partnership.

Blanchek said, “Marriott is fully supportive of New Orleans and this partnership. We see the mission of New Orleans Area Habitat and the hotel association as central to the continued recovery and growth of New Orleans and its tourism industry.”  

On behalf of the Hilton Family Hotels, the Brees Dream Foundation is donating $12,000 for housing construction costs.  Chris Stuart, Brees Dream Foundation representative said, “The Brees Dream Foundation, in connection with the Hilton Family Hotels, is very happy to participate in such a worthy cause.”

A coordinated online and individual hotel based fundraising effort will complement the collaboration.

The Greater New Orleans Hotel and Lodging Association
Since 1924, the Greater New Orleans Hotel and Lodging Association has been the professional trade organization of lodging professionals of the New Orleans area. The association is an industry resource supporting activities in a variety of focus areas including education and professional training; legislative support and public issues management; operations and productivity assistance; government and business relations; crime prevention; and membership communications.