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More affordable housing, homeless shelters coming to Baton Rouge

BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — The amount of people experiencing housing insecurity is rising at an alarming rate in Baton Rouge.

“There are hundreds of people who are in and out of homelessness every single day,” said Interim Director of Community Development Marlee Pittman. “It’s an unsettling number. Last year, 814 people experienced housing, insecurity and homelessness for the first time in their lives.”

President of St. Vincent de Paul Michael Acaldo believes that number will continue to rise in Baton Rouge.

“If the economy doesn’t start to improve, we’re going to see a big increase,” said Acaldo.

But with the new HOME-ARP Plan, Pittman hopes it will help those in need. Housing units will be built to shelter dozens without homes. According to their records, 110 people are without permanent homes. However, they know there are more.

“We’ve also reserved about a million to create non-congregate shelter,” said Pittman.

Those in need will have their own space, and can even have pets, but this is only phase one. Pittman said there are many more steps that need to happen first.

“We will submit this plan to the federal government,” said Pittman. “They’ll review it and we’ll start the contracting process of the city to get these dollars in the hands of service providers.”

The action plan was drafted after meeting with stakeholders and residents to co-develop housing solutions that meet the needs of all residents in East Baton Rouge Parish. Residents and partners can submit public comments on the plan through March 28 at ocd@brla.gov.

Read the full HOME-ARP Action Plan below: