SHREVEPORT, La. — Volunteers of America North Louisiana will celebrate the opening of a new Veterans Safe Haven facility Tuesday, Nov. 10, expanding its ability to provide transitional housing and supportive services to veterans experiencing homelessness in Northwest Louisiana.
The organization will host a ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony at 2 p.m. at the new facility, located at 1717 Irving Place in Shreveport’s Highland neighborhood.
The facility was designed to provide a secure, supportive environment for veterans working toward recovery, stability and permanent housing. It replaces the program’s previous space with accommodations intended to better address residents’ needs for privacy, safety and interaction with staff and support personnel.
Volunteers of America North Louisiana has operated the Safe Haven program in partnership with the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center since 2014. The program provides room, board and supportive services to veterans experiencing homelessness, including those facing mental health and substance use challenges.
Unlike traditional shelters, Safe Haven does not require sobriety as a condition of admission. The program uses a low-barrier, recovery-oriented approach designed to help veterans access services while addressing obstacles to stable housing.
“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. “This new facility allows us to better support that journey by providing a space intentionally designed around the needs of the Veterans we serve. We are grateful to our partners and supporters who helped make this vision a reality.”
Since its establishment, the Safe Haven program has served 331 individual veterans and maintained an average occupancy rate of approximately 90%, according to the organization.
Services include individualized planning, case management, assistance navigating veterans benefits, meals and coordination with VA clinical teams. The program aims to help participants transition from homelessness into permanent housing and greater self-sufficiency.
The new facility was renovated in collaboration with Brown Builders LLC and architectural firm Vintage Design Group LLC.
Funding and support for the project came from individual donors, foundations, businesses, religious organizations and government partners.
Major supporters include Mr. and Mrs. Harry Avant, Will Atkins, the Cecil W. Talley Estate, the Carolyn W. and Charles T. Beaird Family Foundation, DT Midstream Foundation, Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, the Home Depot Foundation, Willis Knighton Health and the state of Louisiana.
Other contributors include Angel Build, APEX Natural Gas, First Methodist Church of Shreveport, First Presbyterian of Shreveport and Katy Build.
Volunteers of America North Louisiana plans to recognize project supporters during Tuesday’s dedication ceremony. A permanent plaque acknowledging their contributions will also be installed at the facility.
The opening marks the latest investment in a program that has operated for more than a decade as part of the region’s efforts to address veteran homelessness and expand access to supportive housing.