MONROE, LA (AP) — The downtown redevelopment taking place in this north Louisiana city is pushing homeless out of their shelters in abandoned buildings and this is prompting city officials to consider building a new facility for the homeless.
The News Star’s Kaleb Causey reports that Larry Bratton of the Downtown Economic Development District says the city would like to create "a one-stop place for homeless people."
"So there's not only a place for them to stay at night, but for them to stay during the day and receive meals," he said. "To have access to mental health, to job skills and to provide services to this group of the population."
Sarah Johnson of HOME Coalition in Monroe said research has shown centralized intake centers for homeless "reduces the number of homeless persons, shortens the time persons are homeless, and reduces returns to homelessness."
Robert Swett Jr., who uses services such as Desiard Street Shelter in Monroe, said he likes the idea.
"It would be utilized well," Swett said. "People would definitely be attracted to something like that."
Swett said he loves having a place like Desiard Street Shelter that's willing to help him if he needs it.
"It means a lot," he said. "Sometimes, when you ain't got nothing to do, you come down here. You've got a great place. Some people come. Some people go. Some people stay. I stayed. I love it here."
Bratton said he is working to coordinate several individuals and groups to make the idea a reality. He also said he's begun looking at several locations throughout the city.
