OUR ongoing PROJECTS

LITTLE FREE FOOD PANTRY

Food justice is an important part of community justice. We built a little free food pantry and regularly stock it with nutritionally sound items for anyone who needs them. We also welcome donated non-perishables from neighbors, urging all to give what they can and take what they need!

BI-MONTHLY MEETINGS

LITTLE FREE FOOD PANTRY

On the second Saturday of each odd-numbered month, we hold a general meeting, open to renters and homeowners alike, with no dues required. We invite city councilmembers from Districts A & D, state reps from District 97, representatives from the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Engagement, and 3rd District NOPD to give updates and answer questions.

MARDI GRAS BREAKFAST

Each Mardi Gras our Third District police officers staff our parades, de-escalate conflict, and help to keep us safe as we have our biggest celebrations. DANA provides a hot breakfast on one of the major parade days to show our appreciation.

NIGHT OUT AGAINST CRIME

Each October, we participate in the annual Night Out Against Crime, gathering at the DeSaix Place sign and spending time with each other. Join us this year on October 21, 2025!

COMMUNITY SERVICE DAYS

NIGHT OUT AGAINST CRIME

COMMUNITY SERVICE DAYS

Our community is full of people who want to help. Whether it's trash cleanup or trimming overgrown crape myrtles to make turning off DeSaix safer, we value your help! Contact us if you want to be notified of future volunteer opportunities.

BENCH ON THE BAYOU

NIGHT OUT AGAINST CRIME

COMMUNITY SERVICE DAYS

DANA planted two gorgeous crape myrtles and installed a bench on the south side of Moss near DeSaix bridge for the community to enjoy our gorgeous bayou views. We're looking to install a couple more on the north side of Moss. Please reach out if you want to help!

HOLIDAY BASKET PROJECT

Each holiday season, D.A.N.A. organizes a special project to bring warmth and care to some of our elderly neighbors. We assemble and deliver Christmas "baskets" in reusable boxes to 5–10 seniors in our community, focusing on nutritious and easy-to-prepare foods that can offer comfort—especially if they’re not feeling well or unable to cook full meals.

Each basket includes a variety of hearty soups (such as chicken noodle, chicken and dumplings, gumbo, split pea, and red beans), along with crackers, canned vegetables like peas, corn, and mixed vegetables, cookies, and hot chocolate or tea bags. When possible, we also add a few fresh items—such as fruit or yogurt—to brighten their baskets.

We’ve chosen these items with care, avoiding foods that many seniors already receive through monthly commodity boxes or other seasonal donations. The goal is to provide practical, comforting food that’s easy to heat and enjoy, while showing our neighbors they’re remembered and appreciated during the holidays.

If you’d like to help or contribute to the project, please contact D.A.N.A. or join us at an upcoming meeting.

Event and project archive

Blood Drive & BBQ

D.A.N.A.’s 2019 blood drive and BBQ was a great success for the association and those lives that will be saved from the blood donations. We had 23 potential donors, out of the 23 wonderful individuals that tried to donate blood 16 individuals were able to give blood. Because 3 components may be created from each unit of blood, those 16 individual donations can help save up to 48 lives.
Thanks to all who donated and those who wanted to donate!
In addition, the BBQ with the water slide was a blast not to mention the hamburgers, hot dogs, snowballs, chips, etc.

DANA Service Project

On August 11, 2018, many neighbors came out and helped trim trees around the neighborhood, making it safer to turn onto side streets from DeSaix and cleaning up overgrown areas off St. Bernard. Thank you to everyone who attended and a special thanks to Burt Cary for keeping us hydrated.

NOPD Third District Bicycle Donation

On April 24, 2018, the NOPD Third District received two new fully equipped police bicycles, generously donated by Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots and the Desaix Area Neighborhood Association.

These new bicycles will be used by certified NOPD bicycle officers in patrolling local neighborhoods and at large-scale events in the Third District, such as the upcoming New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

Sunsets at the Bench on the Bayou

In years past, D.A.N.A. hosted monthly informal “bench chats” at the corner of Moss and DeSaix Street, where we could relax on the community bench we built, enjoy the sunset, and take in the view. These casual get-togethers became a favorite way for neighbors to unwind, share ideas, and strengthen our sense of community.

We’d love to bring this tradition back—this time on a weekend evening so more neighbors can join in! Whether you come to brainstorm new projects (like adding more benches or planning events along the Bayou) or simply to chat and enjoy good company, you’re welcome. Bring your favorite beverage and help us revive one of D.A.N.A.’s most neighborly traditions.

Pelican Basketball – D.A.N.A.’s night

D.A.N.A. recently hosted a fun-filled Neighborhood Night with the New Orleans Pelicans! Our members and neighbors came together to cheer on the team and enjoy an exciting game at the Smoothie King Center. We were able to take advantage of a special group rate, which included refreshments and plenty of great seats.

The highlight of the evening came after the final buzzer, when our group was invited down to the court for a photo with some of the Pelicans cheerleaders — a memorable moment for everyone!

Thank you to all who joined and helped make this event such a success. Be sure to keep an eye on our website and future meetings for announcements about more community outings like this one!