(The Center Square) – The city of Shreveport received a $400,000 grant to support modular housing for the homeless population, but Providence House will need to fundraise the additional money.
Chief Administrative Officer Tom Dark read aloud the agenda during the administrative conference on Monday. Questions arose surrounding the large grant to help with the construction of modular housing.
“What Providence House will do is deconstruct a warehouse that they have, construct new housing for homeless families, and they’ll be able to double the number of people that they currently serve,” said a Providence House representative to the council. “The historic building that they’re in is really almost past its useful life.”
While Bloomberg Philanthropies gifted the $400,000 two-year grant to the city, additional funding is needed for the nearly $3 million project. The Providence House will be responsible for fundraising the additional money needed to complete the modular housing as they enter into a cooperative endeavor agreement.
This upgrade will enable the organization to serve 160 people as opposed to the 80 people being served. The 10,000-square foot warehouse owned by Providence House will be torn down to make room for the new modular homes.
The Shreveport City Council will vote on the resolution authorizing the acceptance of the grant during this week’s City Council meeting, with final passage possible on Oct. 28.
