Catholic Charities of Acadiana

At Crossroads Collective, proceeds go directly to the works of Catholic Charities of Acadiana. At its core, Catholic Charities of Acadiana cares for the sacred gift of human life, especially the most vulnerable. With ten core programs, and growing, Catholic Charities of Acadiana provides services for the most basic human needs to our brothers and sisters from all walks of life. From food to hygiene to housing, Catholic Charities of Acadiana’s programs address a wide range of community needs.  

Each year, Catholic Charities of Acadiana puts into action the Works of Mercy, including:  
Feeding the Hungry: 100,000+ meals shared per year 
Giving Drink to the Thirsty: more than 400 people living on the street provided access to showers and other basic needs
Sheltering the Homeless: 349 men, women, children, and veterans were provided emergency shelter and 168 people moved into permanent housing.

Catholic Charities of Acadiana does so while valuing the dignity of the human person with the understanding that all humanity is made in the image and likeness of God. Dignity does not come from what we do but from who we are. 

Catholic Charities of Acadiana was incorporated in 2018 within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lafayette by Bishop Douglas Deshotel.

Initially providing limited services of rent and utility assistance to needy individuals and families since 1973, the program was later named for its founder, Monsignor 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.

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 Charities of Acadiana provides shelter to over 120 adults.

In 1995, a partnership with Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center was formed 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 to 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, a re-housing program was established 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. 

Learn more about the work Catholic Charities of Acadiana does in our community:
Visit Catholic Charities of Acadiana 
Volunteer with Catholic Charities of Acadiana