The Renewal Center of Northeast Louisiana hosted a groundbreaking on Thursday, September 21, 2023, for a new multi-purpose building/dining hall at their facility located at 722 Adam Street in Monroe. There are hundreds of individuals here in northeast Louisiana who are in crisis, and The Renewal Center is answering their needs. The groundbreaking serves as a continuation for the “A Refuge of Hope: campaign. “We are very excited about the opportunity to see our community come together to support the Renewal Center,” said Executive Director Billy Varner. “The new facility will allow us to offer hope and a path to a better future for those in need. It is an investment in our community’s future.” While homelessness in our area is prevalent, the challenges to our community are much deeper. Individuals facing homelessness due to loss of jobs, divorce, separation, major illness, domestic violence, mental illness, disability, and more. The most common demographic group affected are males (57%), African Americans (62%), and persons over age 24 (62%).
This new expansion is meeting our community’s growing need for services for those who are experiencing homelessness. The Renewal Center offers them a place to get assistance with food, shelter, clothing, I.D. services, healthcare, and notably counseling. The center currently serves 40-50 people per day and 1,000 meals per month. The new phase will add a dining hall and meeting space to expand the services the current space is able to provide. The new facilities will allow the center to feed more people, host more classes, and house up to 28 men.
The Renewal Center is supported by local leaders who have seen the demand in our community. The Renewal Center is a place where the ‘hands and feet of Jesus ‘meet people in their time of need, “says Jon Tellifero, Board President. “At the core of the Renewal Center are compassionate people who provide help. This same spirit fuels The Renewal Center’s efforts, creating a path for countless people who are homeless, broken, and hungry for a better life.
