Catholic Charities of Acadiana: 50 Years of Serving the Most Vulnerable in South Louisiana
Since its founding in 1973, Catholic Charities of Acadiana (CCA) has been a steadfast voice for the poor, the hungry, the homeless, and the marginalized across South Louisiana. Rooted in Catholic social teaching and a deep reverence for the sacred dignity of all human life, CCA has spent more than five decades working to alleviate poverty, provide shelter, deliver meals, and offer compassionate care to those most in need.
Our Humble Beginnings
Originally established to offer rent and utility assistance to struggling families in the Lafayette, Louisiana area, Catholic Charities of Acadiana began with a simple mission: to serve neighbors in crisis. The rental assistance program was named after its founder, Msgr. Sigur, whose vision of helping the poor inspired the work that would follow.
In those early years, CCA opened St. Joseph Diner, which began serving free hot lunch meals to anyone facing hunger. What started on West Simcoe Street has since grown into a cornerstone of CCA’s food ministry, continuing to serve thousands of meals annually.
Expanding Housing & Homeless Services
In 1987, CCA opened the St. Joseph Emergency Shelter for Men, marking a significant expansion into homeless services. Over time, housing programs grew to include emergency, transitional, and permanent supportive housing for men, women, children, and veterans. Today, more than 120 adults find shelter each night through CCA’s network of housing programs.
Recognizing the unique needs of veterans experiencing homelessness, CCA launched the St. Michael Center for Veterans—a facility that offers emergency and transitional housing along with access to education, employment services, and housing placement in partnership with the VA Medical Center in Alexandria. The program has since expanded to serve female veterans and veteran families.
To address the daily challenges of those living on the streets, CCA created the Stella Maris Center, a hygiene facility where guests can shower, do laundry, use the restroom, and access other basic human needs in a safe and respectful environment.
In response to the broader housing crisis, a re-housing program was launched to work directly with individuals experiencing homelessness to find and maintain homelessness to find and maintaiaffordable, permanent housing. Through personalized case management, clients receive ongoing support, including help with furniture, food, income support, and life skills, for up to six months after being housed.
Healthcare for the Homeless and Uninsured
In 1995, CCA partnered with Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center to open the St. Bernadette Clinic, offering free healthcare services to the poor, uninsured, and homeless. Recognizing the interconnectedness of physical and oral health, the clinic expanded in 2009 to include a free dental clinic, making it one of the region’s most comprehensive healthcare access points for vulnerable populations.
Women and Children’s Services: The Emily House
One of the most impactful recent developments in CCA’s long history of service is the opening of The Emily House—an emergency shelter for women and children experiencing homelessness. Located in Lafayette, The Emily House provides a safe, nurturing environment where families can begin to heal, rebuild, and move toward independence.
Recent Growth and Organizational Milestones
In 2018, Catholic Charities of Acadiana was formally incorporated into the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lafayette by Bishop Douglas Deshotel, reflecting its critical role as the Diocese’s primary outreach and social service agency.
The following year, in 2019, CCA underwent major growth by:
Absorbing the Diocesan Deaf Action Center
Merging with FoodNet, a vital food redistribution program
Joining forces with Rebuilding Together, which provides housing repairs for low-income homeowners
Receiving and retooling Crossroads Catholic Bookstore to better serve the community through faith-based outreach
These additions allowed CCA to offer even more holistic, person-centered services while remaining firmly grounded in its original mission to serve Christ by serving the poor.
A Legacy of Hope – Built on Faith, Driven by Service
For over 50 years, Catholic Charities of Acadiana has remained a beacon of hope in the region—offering practical solutions to systemic poverty, advocating for the most vulnerable, and sharing the love of Christ through every meal served, every shelter bed offered, and every hand extended in compassion.
From its earliest programs in rent assistance and meal service to today’s wide-ranging support for homeless individuals, veterans, families, and the uninsured, CCA continues to answer the Gospel call to love thy neighbor” with unwavering dedication.