BATON ROUGE, LA — January 29, 2018 — Today, Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome announced that $1M in disaster recovery funds will be dedicated to the expansion of St. Vincent de Paul’s Day and Disaster/Emergency Shelter Services. The 3,500 square foot expansion, to be constructed on the current St. Vincent de Paul Campus, will be designated as a women’s and children’s shelter, and will increase the number of families served by providing 36 additional bed accommodations.

“Recent winter weather events have reinforced the need for additional emergency shelters in our parish,” said Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome. “We are so pleased that St. Vincent de Paul, a tremendous partner and resource for our region, is the recipient of these funds, and we look forward to the grand opening of the expanded shelter next year.”

The space will also have the capacity to be converted to emergency shelter beds for adverse weather events, with adequate bathroom and laundry facilities for the expanded populations. Equipment and supplies needed to furnish the building and outfit the facility for emergencies will be purchased as well.

"We are so excited about being a part of the Mayor's vision of responding to the needs of the homeless, especially mothers and children who have no place to turn for help," said Michael Acaldo, President & CEO of St. Vincent de Paul. "We believe this new facility will position our community for success in responding to the needs of the homeless during cold winter nights, as well as hurricanes and other natural disasters."

Groundbreaking on this project is expected to take place in June of this year with an anticipated completion date of June 2019.

“By expanding capacity at St. Vincent de Paul’s main campus with a new construction disaster shelter, we will be able to provide our homeless population with a safe harbor during disaster events,” Office of Community Development Executive Director Pat Forbes said. “The state is committed to sheltering our most vulnerable residents during emergency conditions and is pleased that East Baton Rouge Parish is using $1 million in Community Development Block Grant funding for this important project.”