
August 29, 2005, remains a turning point in the history of New Orleans—a day that forever changed one of America’s most cherished cities. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, one of the most devastating and expensive natural disasters in U.S. history, the storm revealed deep economic and social divides that often determined who survived and who suffered most.
Much of the pain and destruction that followed could be traced to the widespread poverty endured by many residents of New Orleans. At that time, Entergy stood as the only Fortune 500 company headquartered in the city, and our shareholders understood the responsibility that came with that position. Then-CEO Wayne Leonard emphasized, “If we push for stronger levees and better flood protection but ignore the root causes of poverty in our region, we will have missed the greatest lesson of all.”
As rebuilding began, our efforts centered on reducing inequality, empowering residents, and improving quality of life for the city’s most vulnerable populations. Katrina became a call to action—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to collaborate with community partners to create a New Orleans where every neighborhood is safe, businesses prosper, schools succeed, and families can own homes in an environment that values sustainability, diversity, and inclusion.
Over the years, Entergy shareholders have contributed approximately $95 million in charitable funds and more than 1.6 million volunteer hours, not just to rebuild, but to help create a stronger, more resilient, and inclusive city.
Expanding Access to Affordable Housing
After Katrina, one of the city’s most urgent needs was housing. Thousands of families were displaced and needed safe, affordable places to live. Entergy partnered with organizations such as Volunteers of America, SBP USA, and Habitat for Humanity to build or rebuild over 1,300 homes. We also provided essential seed funding to Volunteers of America, helping them secure $80 million in new market tax credits and launch large-scale multi-family housing initiatives that restored stability for countless families.
Strengthening Financial Stability for Families
Katrina exposed how deeply disasters impact low-income communities. To build long-term economic security, Entergy developed initiatives that help families increase income, build savings, reduce debt, improve credit, and achieve homeownership. In partnership with the United Way of Southeast Louisiana, we launched the Individual Development Accounts (IDA) Project, designed to help participants save and invest in their future.
Since its launch in 2006, the program has generated $58 million in assets, enabling over 430 individuals—most of them single mothers—to become first-time homeowners, transforming lives and communities across Southeast Louisiana.
Revitalizing Public Education
Before Katrina, New Orleans public schools ranked near the bottom statewide, with 83% of students attending failing schools. Since 2005, Entergy shareholders have invested $30 million to help improve education across Orleans Parish. Today, the city has no failing schools, marking a major milestone in its recovery.
Our investments have focused on data-driven education partners such as Teach for America, KIPP New Orleans, New Schools for New Orleans, The Posse Foundation, and others—organizations that emphasize attendance, academic growth, behavioral health, and wraparound support to ensure every student has a chance to succeed.
Expanding Childcare Access for Working Families
The storm destroyed nearly 75% of childcare centers in Orleans Parish, creating waitlists as high as 16-to-1. Recognizing that quality childcare was essential to economic recovery, Entergy and our partners—including the Ready Louisiana Coalition and Campaign for Grade Level Reading—advocated for increased public investment. These efforts led to $42 million in annual city and state funding dedicated to providing early childhood education for low-income families.
Creating a Greener, More Connected City
Before the storm, New Orleans had fewer than 11 miles of bike lanes. Thanks to a unique collaboration between Entergy, the City of New Orleans, and the Louisiana Public Health Institute, the Entergy Charitable Foundation funded the position of a transportation engineer who helped design and implement over 130 miles of bike lanes and pedestrian paths, transforming the city’s infrastructure and promoting sustainable transportation.
Restoring the Urban Forest
Floodwaters wiped out an estimated 200,000 trees, leaving New Orleans the most deforested urban area in the country. Since then, Entergy has teamed up with nonprofits such as NOLA Tree Project, S.O.U.L., Lafitte Greenway, and Sankofa to restore greenery across the city, helping to reestablish its vital urban canopy and improve environmental resilience.
Building the Workforce of Tomorrow
A strong workforce is key to economic growth. Entergy has collaborated with state agencies, higher education institutions, and nonprofits to create job pathways in high-demand, well-paying industries. As the first corporate partner of STEM NOLA, we help inspire more than 30,000 students annually through hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math experiences—laying the groundwork for a brighter future.
Looking Ahead
Twenty years after Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans stands stronger, more resilient, and more hopeful. The progress we’ve achieved reflects the determination of our employees, partners, and community members who worked tirelessly to rebuild and reimagine this great city.
As we continue our mission, Entergy remains committed to powering lives—fostering progress, opportunity, and equity for everyone who calls New Orleans home.
Much of the pain and destruction that followed could be traced to the widespread poverty endured by many residents of New Orleans. At that time, Entergy stood as the only Fortune 500 company headquartered in the city, and our shareholders understood the responsibility that came with that position. Then-CEO Wayne Leonard emphasized, “If we push for stronger levees and better flood protection but ignore the root causes of poverty in our region, we will have missed the greatest lesson of all.”
As rebuilding began, our efforts centered on reducing inequality, empowering residents, and improving quality of life for the city’s most vulnerable populations. Katrina became a call to action—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to collaborate with community partners to create a New Orleans where every neighborhood is safe, businesses prosper, schools succeed, and families can own homes in an environment that values sustainability, diversity, and inclusion.
Over the years, Entergy shareholders have contributed approximately $95 million in charitable funds and more than 1.6 million volunteer hours, not just to rebuild, but to help create a stronger, more resilient, and inclusive city.
Expanding Access to Affordable Housing
After Katrina, one of the city’s most urgent needs was housing. Thousands of families were displaced and needed safe, affordable places to live. Entergy partnered with organizations such as Volunteers of America, SBP USA, and Habitat for Humanity to build or rebuild over 1,300 homes. We also provided essential seed funding to Volunteers of America, helping them secure $80 million in new market tax credits and launch large-scale multi-family housing initiatives that restored stability for countless families.
Strengthening Financial Stability for Families
Katrina exposed how deeply disasters impact low-income communities. To build long-term economic security, Entergy developed initiatives that help families increase income, build savings, reduce debt, improve credit, and achieve homeownership. In partnership with the United Way of Southeast Louisiana, we launched the Individual Development Accounts (IDA) Project, designed to help participants save and invest in their future.
Since its launch in 2006, the program has generated $58 million in assets, enabling over 430 individuals—most of them single mothers—to become first-time homeowners, transforming lives and communities across Southeast Louisiana.
Revitalizing Public Education
Before Katrina, New Orleans public schools ranked near the bottom statewide, with 83% of students attending failing schools. Since 2005, Entergy shareholders have invested $30 million to help improve education across Orleans Parish. Today, the city has no failing schools, marking a major milestone in its recovery.
Our investments have focused on data-driven education partners such as Teach for America, KIPP New Orleans, New Schools for New Orleans, The Posse Foundation, and others—organizations that emphasize attendance, academic growth, behavioral health, and wraparound support to ensure every student has a chance to succeed.
Expanding Childcare Access for Working Families
The storm destroyed nearly 75% of childcare centers in Orleans Parish, creating waitlists as high as 16-to-1. Recognizing that quality childcare was essential to economic recovery, Entergy and our partners—including the Ready Louisiana Coalition and Campaign for Grade Level Reading—advocated for increased public investment. These efforts led to $42 million in annual city and state funding dedicated to providing early childhood education for low-income families.
Creating a Greener, More Connected City
Before the storm, New Orleans had fewer than 11 miles of bike lanes. Thanks to a unique collaboration between Entergy, the City of New Orleans, and the Louisiana Public Health Institute, the Entergy Charitable Foundation funded the position of a transportation engineer who helped design and implement over 130 miles of bike lanes and pedestrian paths, transforming the city’s infrastructure and promoting sustainable transportation.
Restoring the Urban Forest
Floodwaters wiped out an estimated 200,000 trees, leaving New Orleans the most deforested urban area in the country. Since then, Entergy has teamed up with nonprofits such as NOLA Tree Project, S.O.U.L., Lafitte Greenway, and Sankofa to restore greenery across the city, helping to reestablish its vital urban canopy and improve environmental resilience.
Building the Workforce of Tomorrow
A strong workforce is key to economic growth. Entergy has collaborated with state agencies, higher education institutions, and nonprofits to create job pathways in high-demand, well-paying industries. As the first corporate partner of STEM NOLA, we help inspire more than 30,000 students annually through hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math experiences—laying the groundwork for a brighter future.
Looking Ahead
Twenty years after Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans stands stronger, more resilient, and more hopeful. The progress we’ve achieved reflects the determination of our employees, partners, and community members who worked tirelessly to rebuild and reimagine this great city.
As we continue our mission, Entergy remains committed to powering lives—fostering progress, opportunity, and equity for everyone who calls New Orleans home.