Disaster Response : Acadiana Outreach

For more than 16 years the Outreach Center has served the poor and homeless individuals of southwest Louisiana by providing critical services that are not a hand out, but rather a hand up, designed to empower from fear and despair, and hopelessness, to a future with possibilities. These same services are extended to those in need following life changing disasters of all kinds, including hurricanes and all natural disasters.

Click here to read our most recent Recovery Effort Report, which provides a comprehensive view of our hurricane recovery efforts.

In the wake of Hurricanes Katrina & Rita in 2005 we served thousands by helping them access resources to rebuild their lives.

More specifically, we...

Employed 41 evacuees to help other evacuees
Helped 399 households (1,017 people) access housing, employment, transportation, medical needs with case management and financial assistance through the Center’s “Transitional Recovery Action Center” (TRAC) program
Households served through TRAC include 70% displaced by Katrina, 30% impacted by Hurricane Rita
Gave 730,000 pounds of supplies to 4,576 evacuees, valuing a staggering $1.56 million
Helped 1,656 households (5,796 evacuees) access financial

"Out of every dark cloud there is always a ray of light. For this community, that beacon was the Outreach Center. This Lafayette nonprofit responded by reaching out directly to evacuees & by seeking partnerships with other agencies in the area."

Sandra Purgahn, CEO Goodwill Industries

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