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The Opelousas Lighthouse Mission in partnership with the St. Landry Chamber of Commerce will break ground for the Mission’s new 64-bed dorm and office facility at 704 W. South Street in Opelousas at 10 a.m. March 31.
The public is invited to join the groundbreaking celebration and enjoy a meet and greet with community leaders and staff.
The project is set to increase the Mission’s bed count from 32, which is currently at capacity, to 96 beds after completion. The project will also feature new office and program facilities for volunteers and staff. The Opelousas Lighthouse Mission’s Executive Director, Johnny Carriere, has described the project as a way to not only benefit the community of Opelousas, but the parish as a whole.
“The new facilities mean so much more than a few new beds, it means we can make a greater overall impact on this community,” said Carriere. “We are constantly striving to help more individuals and change lives. This new space has the potential to change hundreds of thousands of lives right here in Acadiana. It is a very special thing to have in Opelousas, we hope the community comes out to celebrate with us.”
The Opelousas Lighthouse Mission stands as an emergency and transitional shelter for homeless men in the community. Since 1988 the Lighthouse Mission have provided year-round support, and works to rebuild lives in St. Landry Parish. The Mission provides food, clothing, and assistance with medical and transportation expenses and offer programs to help homeless men gain the skills they need to find work once they leave. The Lighthouse Mission has partnered with The St. Landry Parish Drug Court to assist those interested in earning their GED’s. The Opelousas Lighthouse Mission operates as a place where homeless men can be healed in the spirit as well as the mind .
“The task taken on by Opelousas Lighthouse Mission has not been taken lightly,” said Raquella Manuel, President of the St. Landry Chamber of Commerce. “ They have accomplished so much in nearly 30 years, the Chamber is proud to have the opportunity to support them in this new Chamber. We are excited to see what the future holds for such a fantastic organization.”
For additional questions, contact the St. Landry Chamber at 337-942-2683.