Catholic Charities of Acadiana, Inc.

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

Initially providing limited services of rent and utility assistance to needy individuals and families since 1973, the program was later named for its founder, Monsignor Sigur, in 1984.

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

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.

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.

In 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.

In 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.