Quick take
- Volunteers of America North Louisiana will hold a ribbon cutting and dedication for its new Veterans Safe Haven facility at 2 p.m. Tue., Nov. 10.
- The building is at 1717 Irving Place in Shreveport’s Highland neighborhood.
- Since 2014, VOA North Louisiana has run Safe Haven with the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center, providing room, board and support services to veterans experiencing homelessness. Sobriety is not required to get in.
- The program has served 331 veterans and averages about 90% occupancy, according to VOA North Louisiana.
Volunteers of America North Louisiana has a new home for its program serving homeless veterans. The group will hold a ribbon cutting and dedication at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, for its new Veterans Safe Haven building at 1717 Irving Place in Shreveport’s Highland neighborhood, according to a VOA North Louisiana release published by the Bossier Press-Tribune. Daily Shreveport also listed the ribbon cutting.
About Safe Haven
VOA North Louisiana has run the Safe Haven program since 2014 with the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center. It provides room, board and support services to veterans experiencing homelessness. Unlike traditional shelters, it does not require sobriety to get in, the release says. Staff help with case management, benefits, meals and coordination with VA clinical teams as veterans work toward permanent housing.
The program has served 331 veterans and runs at about 90% occupancy on average, according to the release. As the program grew, VOA North Louisiana and the VA saw the need for a building better suited to the veterans it serves.
“Safe Haven is about more than providing a place to stay. It’s about creating an environment where Veterans feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to take the next steps toward rebuilding their lives,” said Carolyn Hammond, president and CEO of Volunteers of America North Louisiana.
The building was renovated by Brown Builders, LLC, with Vintage Design Group, LLC as architect. Individual donors and community partners, including the State of Louisiana, The Home Depot Foundation and Willis Knighton Health, helped pay for it, the release says. VOA North Louisiana plans to recognize them at the dedication with a permanent plaque.