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Falcons vs. Saints Tailgate Aids Unhoused New Orleans Residents
Confirmed
In Short: Allen Keller and Katherine Seals, two Saints fans, are spearheading the #TailgateTogether initiative, which aims to provide meals to the unhoused population in New Orleans ahead of the Falcons vs. Saints game on Monday Night Football.
Keller and Seals began their efforts by sharing leftover food from tailgates with the unhoused near the Superdome. Over time, they realized that giving out leftovers was not sufficient and started cooking fresh meals specifically for those in need.
On Sunday morning, Keller left his house at 8 a.m. to pick up boxed lunches from Firehouse Subs, which are donated to #TailgateTogether. The initiative has faced challenges, such as the drizzly weather that dampened the atmosphere at the New Orleans Mission where they distribute meals.
Keller explained to Canal Street Chronicles in 2022 that the initiative started from Saints tailgates and has since grown to involve hundreds of volunteers. He emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating, 'It truly takes all of us.'
Sarah Parks, the executive director of Grace at the Greenlight, highlighted the significant role New Orleans plays in supporting the state's homeless population. She noted that many individuals are dropped off at the mission from hospitals and rehab centers across Louisiana due to a lack of resources in smaller communities.
As the Falcons prepare for their Week 4 game against the Saints, #TailgateTogether continues to raise awareness and provide essential support to the unhoused community in New Orleans, demonstrating that the initiative is bigger than just football.
Background
The Atlanta Falcons defeated the Green Bay Packers 35-14 in a surprising Thursday Night Football matchup.
Monday Night Football is the branding used for broadcasts of National Football League (NFL) games that air on Monday nights. It originally ran on ABC from 1970 to 2005, before moving exclusively to sister network ESPN from 2006 to 2019.
What's confirmed
- Keller and Seals began their efforts by sharing leftover food from tailgates with the unhoused near the Superdome. Over time, they realized that giving out leftovers was not sufficient and started cooking fresh meals specifically for those in need.
- On Sunday morning, Keller left his house at 8 a.m. to pick up boxed lunches from Firehouse Subs, which are donated to #TailgateTogether. The initiative has faced challenges, such as the drizzly weather that dampened the atmosphere at the New Orleans Mission where they distribute meals.
- Sarah Parks, the executive director of Grace at the Greenlight, highlighted the significant role New Orleans plays in supporting the state's homeless population. She noted that many individuals are dropped off at the mission from hospitals and rehab centers across Louisiana due to a lack of resources in smaller communities.
- As the Falcons prepare for their Week 4 game against the Saints, #TailgateTogether continues to raise awareness and provide essential support to the unhoused community in New Orleans, demonstrating that the initiative is bigger than just football.
What's still developing
- — The sun rose on Sunday in New Orleans just to hide behind heavy clouds that drizzled soft rain on everyone waiting outside of the New Orleans Mission for the #TailgateTogether crew.
- This is the main challenge facing Allen Keller and Katherine Seals, two of the Saints fans behind the #TailgateTogether mutual aid movement serving the unhoused population in New Orleans.
- “There have been hundreds of volunteers over the years. Many volunteer as their schedule allows, and I genuinely consider everyone who has ever volunteered as a part of #TailgateTogether. Because it truly takes all of us,” Keller told SB Nation.
- Kevin Knight and Adnan Ikic are joined by Eric Robinson to bring you the latest updates from Falcons OTAs while wrapping up their 2026 game-by-game season predictions.
- “They’re starving. They’re about this big around,” he said, pointing to his pinky finger.