Catholic Charities of Acadiana

Catholic Charities of Acadiana was incorporated in 2018 within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lafayette by Bishop Douglas Deshotel. Though the charitable works of the Diocese date back to its inception in 1918 the late Monsignor Alexander Sigur. Initially providing limited services of rent and utility assistance to needy individuals and families, the program was later named for its founder, Msgr. Sigur, in 1984. In 1983, St. Joseph Diner was established and began serving free lunch meals to the hungry at its original location on West Simcoe Street. Catholic Services of Acadiana's housing and shelter programs began in 1987 with the opening of St. Joseph Emergency Shelter for Men. These programs have expanded significantly, today including emergency, transitional and permanent supportive housing for men, women, children, and veterans. On any given night, Catholic Services of Acadiana provides shelter to over 120 adults and 100 children. In 1995, Catholic Services of Acadiana entered into a partnership with Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center to offer free healthcare to the uninsured, poor and homeless on the Lafayette campus through the St. Bernadette Clinic. In 2009, the medical clinic expanded its services include a free dental clinic. In 2012 Stella Maris Center, a hygiene facility was created to offer a place for homeless individuals to take a shower, use the restroom, wash their clothes, and manage other basic hygiene needs. In 2012, Catholic Services of Acadiana also began operating a re-housing program to work one-on-one with individuals experiencing homelessness to secure affordable permanent housing. Housing coordinators support the clients after being housed with six months of case management, ensuring they have the resources to maintain their home such as: income, furniture, and food.