Mission

Puentes is a Spanish word meaning “bridges.” Since 2007, Puentes has been building bridges connecting Latin American immigrants and their children to the greater New Orleans community. Our work is dedicated to overcoming economic, racial, and cultural divides and to providing Latin American families and communities with the resources, knowledge, and hands-on opportunities they need to thrive. 

History

Puentes New Orleans was established in 2007 as a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit community development organization to address the needs of Latin American immigrants in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Since then, the organization has worked to promote social change through policy research, advocacy, and civic engagement in the areas of education, health, housing, and economic asset building. Our programs are implemented through strategic partnerships, coalition building, and collective impact initiatives.