From our humble beginnings in 1973 to becoming a beacon of hope for countless individuals, families, and communities, Catholic Charities of Acadiana has worked for 50 years to honor the sacred gift of all human life, especially the most vulnerable.

History of Catholic Charities of Acadiana

1973
Catholic Charities of Acadiana began initially by providing limited services of rent and utility assistance to needy individuals and families in 1973.

1983
St. Joseph Diner was established and began serving free lunch meals to the hungry at its original location on West Simcoe Street.

1984
The rent and utility assistance program was named for its founder, Msgr. Sigur.

1987
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.

1995
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.

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.

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.

2018
Catholic Charities of Acadiana proudly opened the doors to The Emily House, a new emergency shelter serving primarily homeless women and children. Located in Lafayette, The Emily House represents CCA’s most recent endeavor to respond to people experiencing homelessness in Acadiana.

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

2019
Catholic Charities of Acadiana experienced tremendous growth in 2019 with new programs which included the absorption of the Diocesan offices of Immigration and Deaf Action Center, the merger with FoodNet and Rebuilding Together as well as the donation and subsequent retooling of Crossroads Catholic Bookstore.