Each year, Catholic Charities of Southwest Louisiana provides hope, support and essential services to hundreds of individuals and families experiencing homelessness throughout the region. Last year alone, the agency assisted 539 people facing homelessness across the five-parish area.
Leading this important work is the Catholic Charities Homeless Outreach Team, composed of three dedicated and experienced professionals: Alisa Stevens, Homeless Outreach Coordinator; Carolyn Washington, Case Manager and Shanna Hebert, Homeless Outreach Specialist.
“Our goal is to meet our unsheltered clients where they are and help them take the next step toward stability and self-sufficiency,” said Alisa Stevens. “Whether that means connecting a client to housing resources, helping them obtain identification documents, accessing healthcare services or simply providing food, encouragement and support, we walk alongside our clients every step of the way.”
The Homeless Outreach Team works throughout Southwest Louisiana to connect individuals and families with critical resources, including case management, benefits enrollment, transportation assistance, housing navigation and referrals to community partners. By building relationships based on trust and respect, team members help clients overcome barriers and move toward long-term stability.
In addition to case management services, the team provides practical assistance that many people take for granted.
“For someone experiencing homelessness, a warm shower and freshly cleaned clothes can make a tremendous difference in their day,” said Shanna Hebert. “These simple services help restore dignity and improve their overall mental health and wellbeing.”
The Catholic Charities Laundry and Shower Trailer travels regularly to outreach locations, including Abraham’s Tent in Lake Charles and Open Door Biker Church in Sulphur, bringing essential hygiene services directly to those in need at no cost.
Last year, Catholic Charities volunteers and employees provided nearly 700 warm showers and washed 1,113 loads of laundry for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. These services not only address immediate needs but also create opportunities to build trust and connect clients with housing, healthcare, employment assistance and other vital resources.
“Many of our clients face complex challenges and often feel invisible or forgotten,” said Carolyn Washington. “By showing up consistently, listening to their stories and offering support without judgment, we help people regain hope and take positive steps toward a better future. At the end of the day, that’s what it is all about.”
The Catholic Charities Homeless Outreach Team spends countless hours in the field conducting street outreach, often searching for clients and checking on them in wooded areas, abandoned locations and other places where they may be living. Through compassion, dedication and an unwavering commitment to serving those most in need, the team continues to make a meaningful and lasting impact in the lives of individuals and families experiencing homelessness in the area.
