A partnership between a church and a health clinic continues to help the homeless in Lafayette.
The quarterly event, Feed and Heal the Homeless, is a continuing effort by the team of Freedom World Ministries and the Southwest Louisiana Primary Health Care Center. The health care center's mobile unit is set up in a location near where many homeless congregate, and people who need an appointment with a doctor or nurse can visit.
The church is there to help with other healing, said Clayton Herndon, a member of Freedom World Ministries.
"We're just out here to love on the people, and get them to understand that we're here for them and our community. Every day we do something different to make it better for those who don't have," Herndon said.
The church is currently working toward building a homeless shelter, but for now they help the people get work and a place to stay, he said.
"Our hope for the future is a shelter," Herndon said. "Getting them housed, getting them jobs, getting them into church and on the right path in life. The less homeless we have, the more flourishing, prospering environments we will have - by getting them into a better situation."
Polly Trotter, administrative coodinator of the health care center, said the partnership seems to be working well.
"We've been doing this on a regular basis and it is working out really great. Each time we have it, we try to grow a little bit," she said. "Today we have free tents for the homeless, personal hygiene items, blankets and other supplies to help them protect themselves from the elements."
Monday's event was part of National Health Center week: "Celebrating America's Health Centers: Rooted in Communities." This is a weeklong celebration that is part of a nationwide network.
U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins and Rev. Lawrence Levy, pastor of the church, visited at the event to mark the celebration.
