Lafayette, La.KLFY) Some Lafayette residents have expressed concern about squatters setting up shop in their neighborhood.
Brenda Montgomery said, “We’ve seen people coming out of the woods and wearing clothes. We understand they’re having sex in the fields and using drugs.
“People walking the streets, dumping trash in main streets and side streets, changing clothes, pitching tents to find a place to live.”
In addition, it is said that women who live alone confess that they are afraid.
The Louisiana Housing Authority and Veterans Administration recently awarded a $3 million capital grant to a Catholic charity in Acadiana to renovate and expand two shelters: the St. Joseph Shelter and the St. Michael Center for Veterans Affairs , upgraded. 400 blocks on St. John Street.
However, construction is set for fall 2023.
“The problem is that shelters are too small for the people they’re trying to serve, and they don’t have the resources or facilities for those who live in them,” Montgomery said.
Due to renovations to two facilities, the organization moved shelter capacity to E. Willow on Friday, September 9. Within a 1-2 mile radius, he has several schools near the shelter, including JW Fork. Northside High School, Teurlings Catholic High School, and St. Genevieve Catholic School.
“We pray for them. I am Catholic. As far as I can see, their needs have not been addressed.”
Neighborhood alderman Glenn Lazard said he sees everyone’s concerns and is in frequent contact with Acadiana’s Catholic charity residents and authorities to find the best solutions. .
“I don’t think it’s the right place for an institution. I also think that Catholic charities are in a very compromising position because they are forced to serve people who don’t have the resources to serve.” You know, it’s kind of a catch-22.
He adds, “Sometimes we have days and weeks without problems, and other times we have avalanches like last week’s.”
News 10 received the following statement regarding shelters for people experiencing homelessness:
“We seek to fulfill our mission to cherish the sacred gift of all human life, especially the most vulnerable. In line with our mission, Acadiana Catholic Charity has helped the homeless in our community for nearly 50 years. As the largest provider of shelter services in the region, Catholic Charities of Acadiana operates shelter services in multiple locations…Catholic Charities of Acadiana Deanna believes that communities are safer when everyone’s basic needs are met and strives to contribute to safer communities and quality of life for all.” Ben Broussard, Foreign Affairs Director of Catholic Charities of Acadiana.
