History

Founded in 1817 for the female children of widows left destitute by New Orleans’ yellow fever outbreaks, the caring community that would later be called Poydras Home was first known as the Female Orphan Society. Wealthy French emigrant merchant Julien Poydras was an early supporter and donated a home at St. Charles Avenue and Julia Street for the use of the Society. He also donated the then-sizeable sum of $100 to further help the institution. In appreciation, the Society’s Board of Managers changed the name to Poydras Asylum, later to become Poydras Home.

Our original signage from our move to Uptown New Orleans in 1856 still hangs within the main entrance of Poydras Home today.

Due to overcrowding at its original location, Poydras Home moved to its present 3.5 acre site at Magazine Street and Jefferson Avenue in 1857. More than a century later, our purpose evolved from serving children to providing eldercare for women, later welcoming gentlemen residents as well. In 1998, the PHASE Senior Day Program was added.

Garden House Independent Living opened on our campus in 2001 along with the introduction of specialized Memory Care for Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In 2013 Oak House Assisted Living joined our campus along with renovations and upgrades to the Historic House, the creation of multiple dining spaces and a new wellness and therapy center, making Poydras Home a Continuing Care Retirement Community.

Mission Statement

We provide individualized and innovative care through meaningful relationships that enrich the lives of those we serve and our employees.

In 2016 the Poydras Home Board of Trustees commissioned “New Orleans Women And The Poydras Home – More Durable Than Marble” by author Pamela Tyler as a testament to our rich history.

Purchase our book here