There are over 12,000 homeless people living in the metro area, a number experts say has doubled since Katrina – and now some displaced residents are making a home on the Mayor’s doorstep.

Duncan Plaza, situated across the street from City Hall, has become a home to the city's homeless.

It’s become a small community, with bags of clothing and possessions carefully wrapped and sheets of cardboard and foam spread on the concrete to provide some comfort for those trying to sleep - men, women and families seeking whatever shelter they can find.

Most of them were displaced after the storm, including a few who came to New Orleans to help rebuild -- some even have jobs.

"I sell snowballs and I'm a waiter," says Robert Wells, who can't afford the city's sky high rent, "at night I sleep here."

All of them are asking the city for help -- demanding more Housing Authority apartments be reopened.

"If you can't help me get these people a place to stay, then I'm going to have to stand here until I can get these people a place to stay," says activist Sam Jackson.

Faced with the destitute denizens of Duncan Plaza, the city is trying to step into action.

"That commitment to give public housing is a true commitment the mayor had," says city spokeswoman Ceeon Quiett. "We just got back from Washington, D.C. last week. The commitment is true, you all know that."

But some homeless people are questioning the sincerity of that commitment:

"There really ain't no help here," said James Young, who is living on the streets, "you might get a meal a day if you're lucky."

"We can't get a bath, they can't get no baths, they can't get no water," says displaced resident Katrina Mosely, "it's unsanitized."

Martha Kegel, a spokesperson for Unity - an umbrella agency for groups that help the homeless - says appeals for aid are overwhelming and many people who were self sufficient before hurricane Katrina are finding themselves on the streets.

"The problem has really worsened, and many of these people are people who never dreamed that they would become homeless," Kegel says, adding that Unity's resources are completely maxed out.

Vivian Gammage from the Mayor's Public Advocacy Office says they are reaching out to homeless people with case management and other services.

"We can get them into shelter, temporary shelter, to hopefully get them into permanent shelter, clothing, education, and also as far as job training skills," Gammage claims.

But some people are fed up with waiting for the city's help.

"I'm supposed to leave come Monday for orientation in Missouri," said Paul Fraser, who has struggled on the streets of New Orleans for 15 years, "it's fortunate for me, but what about the others that's going to be left behind."

Gammage says the city helped shelter over 1,000 people within the last year.

"I know that's not touching probably on the numbers that are out there," she admits.

Anyone seeking assistance can contact the Mayor’s Office of Public Advocacy by dialing the city's hotline at 311.