The dream has become reality! For many years, Hope House staff and board envisioned a place where clients who complete the Hope House program have the opportunity to transition into safe, affordable housing in the central Louisiana community. Our region severely lacks affordable housing units and this “pocket neighborhood” option enables clients to truly come full circle. In addition to Hope House graduates, qualified low-income candidates may be referred to Hope House by other agencies for application to reside in Hope Community as well.
Phase 1 is complete! Hope Community is finalizing preparations to welcome its first residents.
The initial phase of the neighborhood project included four (4) single-family homes and a shared outdoor space with a playground, grills for cooking, picnic-style tables and a garden where residents can grow some of their own food if they choose.
Hope Community is being developed in phases with scalability in mind. The current property on Duhon Lane in Alexandria can accommodate up to 15 homes. In Phase 2, we plan to add additional units as resources allow. In time, we envision building multiple neighborhoods of this type, addressing the gap in safe, affordable housing for low-income individuals and families in the area.
Construction of the initial four homes in Phase 1 is funded by an award from the Louisiana Housing Corporation, and a grant from the Central Louisiana Community Foundation will fund the neighborhood’s shared outdoor space. Response to this project has been overwhelming and positive. One very special donation dedicated to the memory of our late, beloved board member Adrienne Dole, will fund the community garden, an integral part of the neighborhood community.
We want to build on this momentum and ensure the long-term success and growth of this project. By contributing to the Hope House, you are making an investment in Central Louisiana. The impact of a person who was homeless transitioning to sustainable, safe, independent living cannot be overstated. The effects on public health, government resources and community spirit – among many other areas – is incalculable.
Hope House has been fighting homelessness one family at a time for 35 years. Hundreds of families have achieved a better life through the helping hand we provide. We believe Hope Community is a key to unlocking an even better future for our Hope House graduates as well as other qualified, low income individuals to build futures full of HOPE!
**Hope Community will accept applications from any qualified, low income individual and is not exclusive to Hope House graduates.
