After 30 Years, New Orleans Shelter Leader Bids Farewell: What’s Next?

After three decades of heartfelt dedication, Clarence Adams is taking a well-deserved bow as he retires from the helm of Ozanam Inn, New Orleans’ cornerstone shelter for homeless men. For the past nine years, he has led this vital organization through thick and thin, embodying resilience and compassion.

Stepping into this pivotal role in 2016, Adams took over from the beloved Deacon Biaggio DiGiovanni, affectionately referred to as “Deacon G.” Adams faced the storm head-on four years ago when the shelter was forced to relocate due to the sale of its long-standing home by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, which had provided a haven since 1955 at unbeatable rates.

Thanks to Adams’ leadership, Ozanam Inn successfully raised funds to acquire a new, expansive facility at the end of Poydras Street, near the South Broad Street overpass in the vibrant Tulane/Gravier district. This $3 million investment has not only broadened its horizons but also introduced dedicated spaces for women for the first time, effectively expanding the range of services offered.

On Thursday morning, a heartfelt farewell celebration honored Adams, filled with clients, board members, donors, local officials, and dignitaries. Reflecting on the shelter’s impact, Adams shared, “The success of Ozanam Inn has always stemmed from one powerful principle: unconditional love.”

“We don’t care where you’ve been or what you’ve done,” Adams passionately told the guests at his send-off, “only where you’re aiming to go.” His approach has always been about fostering a supportive community, ensuring those who have walked through Ozanam Inn’s doors know they are welcomed and cared for, even when they struggle to love themselves.

He proudly pointed out that six of the shelter’s 20 employees are former clients who have turned their lives around, including the dedicated director of food services, Fred Winfield, and board member Jesse Pullins, who also graduated from the program.

As Adams, now 68, prepares to hand the reins to Renée Blanche—his right-hand woman for a decade—his impact remains palpable. “Clarence has always been a beacon of hope,” Blanche shared. “He opened his arms to everyone who came through these doors, making them feel valued and loved, even when they couldn’t see their own worth.”

Ozanam Inn’s legacy isn’t new; it builds on the foundation laid by St. Vincent’s Hotel and Free Labor Bureau, which dates back to the early 1900s. Over the years, this initiative has sheltered countless men, offering not just food and lodging but a true chance at reclaiming their lives.

What sets Ozanam Inn apart is its holistic approach to tackling the myriad complexities of homelessness, addressing far more than just shelter and sustenance.

Keep the ball rolling

Services provided encompass everything from life skills coaching to anger management and substance abuse counseling. Ozanam Inn also provides healthcare access, including dental and prescription services, alongside job training and housing assistance.

“One of our unique offerings is the ability for clients to use our address,” Blanche revealed. “Many don’t realize how critical this is for regaining stability, accessing services, and securing employment.”

Ozanam Inn enjoys robust backing not just from its board and community, but also from city initiatives aimed at supporting the homeless. James Schoen, a board member and business development director at Fidelity Bank, notes, “They have excelled at securing city grants and funding for medical services, which has been crucial for their growth.”

Under Adams’ stewardship, Ozanam Inn has thrived, transitioning to this expansive new facility while broadening its service offerings. Renée is not just well-respected but carries a profound passion for the mission ahead. “They’re keeping the momentum going, and we’re all excited for what’s next,” said Schoen.