The History of Poydras Home - A legacy of caring since 1817

In the fall of 1817, the plight of children orphaned and left destitute by yellow fever inspired a group of civic-minded New Orleans women to organize the Female Orphan Society. Among the early subscribers to the cause was Mr. Julien Poydras. He donated one hundred dollars, and, more significantly, a house situated on a half square of property at Camp and Julia Streets. This house became the home of the Female Orphan Society, and in appreciation the Board of Managers renamed the home Poydras Female Orphan Asylum.

In 1857 the Board of Managers wished to relocate the children to a healthier, more pastoral environment . The Board purchased two large squares of ground, 800 by 400 feet in Rickerville to build the new building at our current location. Yellow fever, floods, the Civil War, the Great Depression and two World Wars presented challenges but the Poydras Female Orphan Asylum, sustained by generous donors, continued to care for and school its residents.

As the need for care of orphaned children diminished, in 1957 the Board of Managers of Poydras Home redirected its mission to providing quality, compassionate care for the elderly. In 1986 Poydras Home incorporated as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization.

Today Poydras Home is a Continuing Care Retirement Center offering residential care for a wide spectrum of elder lifestyles and needs. An adult day program, PHASE (Poydras Home Activitiy Services for the Elderly) was created in 1998 and allows ten to fifteen participants to spend the day in activities, outings and socialization. Two additional residential areas were added in 2001: Garden House, offering apartments for independent living, and Hunter House, a special care unit for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

Poydras Home is known nationally for its quality of care and innovative programs which allow our residents to enjoy life to the fullest in a beautiful and historic setting. Careful management of Mr. Poydras’ legacy and the generous gifts of many others allow Poydras Home to keep costs competitive while maintaining our high standards of care.