Shelter Occupants Receive Help
BOBBY ARDOIN
Editor/Consulting Writer
The opening of a warming shelter at the former Opelousas’ Indian Hills Country Club this week indicates that there is a more permanent need to improve parishwide housing for disadvantaged residents, says St. Landry Parish president Jessie Bellard.
“What we have been doing since Monday, when the first individuals arrived at the shelter, is working to find better housing for some of the people that have been staying here,” Bellard said on Wednesday.
That effort has included contacting the various public housing authorities in St. Landry that may have openings, Bellard said.
Parish temperatures dipped into the high 20’s on three successive nights. That trend is expected to continue over the next five days, including the next couple of days that could include cold rains.
Bellard said that while he initially intended to open the shelter for two nights, he decided to continue to host people at least through Wednesday night.
It’s now become obvious that St. Landry has many residents who need improved housing, said Bellard, who has promised to make administrative changes in the parish public housing authority.
A few of the temporary shelter residents began arriving late Monday.
“Some of the people came in off the streets, while others were taken here from where they were staying close to here and from elsewhere in places that were considered to be uninhabitable,” Bellard said.
Bellard said one elderly Melville-area woman was transported to the shelter by town police chief Phillip Lucas.
Lucas said during a phone interview that the woman he brought to Opelousas has been occupying a house, but that dwelling was substandard and without necessities.
“There was no water, no utilities, so I got in touch with the parish and I brought this lady over (to Opelousas) where she could stay in the shelter. We are always on the lookout for people that need help. In the last few days we have been checking on people around the town who we think might need a place to stay,” said Lucas.
Lucas, Bellard said, has been driving other Melville-area residents to the Opelousas shelter during the past couple of days.
The Melville Police Department Facebook page advertises that residents there should contact the department if there is a need for help with the freezing temperatures.
Parish government acquired the 103-acre former Country Club last month after purchasing the property, former clubhouse and ballroom from the Opelousas Life Church.
Early on Monday Bellard began converting a portion of the facility into a shelter that could accommodate approximately 10 people.
Those introduced to the shelter received personal hygiene kits that contained shampoo and other items, as well as cots and blankets, said Bellard.
Bellard said that individuals locally have stopped by the shelter to provide food and snacks.
“We have received a lot of donations, such as towels, more blankets and cold weather items. People have stepped up,” added Bellard.
In the past the parish has utilized the Yambilee Building as an emergency shelter during hurricanes and cold weather.
“One reason why we are at the (Country Club) now is it’s a lot more efficient to heat and we have showers for those that are staying,” said Bellard.
