LAFAYETTE, La. – Catholic Charities of Acadiana (CCA) has been operating a low barrier homeless shelter since March 2018 and is asking for help from the community by supporting their emergency sheltering operations.
“Every night that someone is forced to sleep on the streets of our community and faces the elements is an emergency that requires a response,” says Ben Broussard, Director of External Affairs for Catholic Charities of Acadiana. “We consider inclement weather to be only one of the elements people living on the street experience. Other elements are the inherent danger posed to someone sleeping on the streets, such as violence, theft, and harassment.”
Seven months ago, out of a desire to provide safety to the unsheltered, Catholic Charities of Acadiana made a decision to begin operating a low barrier shelter. This shelter operates every night of the year and is offered to every person who needs shelter, no ID required.
Catholic Charities of Acadiana has operated this program without any additional resources or donations. CCA shelters on average 30 additional individuals each night, which has been an added burden on both resources and staff.
If you would like to help, donations can be made at www.catholiccharitiesacadiana.org/donate.
