Mayor LaToya Cantrell has responded to a $225,000 donation by Cash Money Records co-founders Bryan “Birdman” Williams and Ronald “Slim” Williams. The donation is directed towards providing New Orleans residents with rental assistance following the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Mayor Cantrell applauds the two for their generous donation, stating “In years to come, when we look back on how our city came together to get through the coronavirus crisis, we will have no better example of leadership than the Williams brothers, these sons of New Orleans who make our city proud today. No one should have to fear losing their home while trying to protect their health.” She continues to note the importance of affordable housing and flexible payments in such an uncertain time: “That is why we have been leading the charge in New Orleans to make housing more affordable, and quickly supported banned evictions in our city during the COVID-19 crisis. This helps us continue on that path, demonstrating how we can come together as businesses, government, and non-profits to address our residents’ most pressing needs now.”

Birdman took to Instagram to announce his interest in supporting New Orleans residents in need of support:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

I would like 2 offer to pay everybody rent for month of May (for those who in need) in residents area of UPTOWN New Orleans where I was born and raised at from mac melph calio and ST Thomas housing also from 3rd ward to 17th ward I would like HANO to support us on accomplishin this and @q93fm I also spoke with @theuptownangela to help me put this togather I would like our mayor @mayorcantrell help support this cause also wanna thank all hospital on front line Risking they life to save lives I wanna thanks everybody that wrk with tha Gladys and Johnny foundation my company cashmoney records @cashmoneyofficial @republicrecords for always supporting our foundation for 20plus years @universalmusicgroup #RICHGANG🦅 #STUNNAMAN @hotboyog333 @kimmykim504 @ceto504 @stunnabrand stay safe #DOIt4MSGLADYS

A post shared by birdman (@birdman5star) on Apr 21, 2020 at 6:34am PDT

With the help of the donations, hundreds of public housing tenants at Harmony Oaks, Marrero Commons, and Guste Apartments will be provided with rental assistance to meet June rent obligations. Tenants will receive individual notices if they qualify for the funds, which will be distributed to their landlords. 

“The legacy of Cash Money belongs to the city of New Orleans. There’s nothing more important to us than giving back to the brothers and sisters who live on those same streets we grew up on — from musicians to service workers to everyday working families. That’s what this label was always about,” notes co-founder Bryan Williams.

Ronald Williams adds to this sentiment, saying “New Orleans made us and is part of who we are. We are devastated that this pandemic is hitting our community there so hard, and we are committed to doing what we can to help now and in the long term.”