SHREVEPORT, La. — A coalition of Northwest Louisiana service organizations has launched an initiative aimed at moving every person identified as homeless in a targeted area of downtown Shreveport into housing by May 1, 2027.
Hope Connections Executive Director Christa Hawkins outlined the “Downtown to Home” initiative Monday during a Caddo Parish Commission work session.
“We are going to house every person in that geographic area by May 1st, 2027,” Hawkins told commissioners.
The initiative began with 51 people identified as living unhoused within the targeted downtown area. Hawkins said teams spent two months identifying people who were actually sleeping downtown rather than assuming people seen on the streets were homeless.
“So far, 15 people have been housed, seven people are in shelter,” Hawkins said. “There were 51 people identified to begin with. So, I think we’ve got a great start.”
The initiative brings together five agencies that meet weekly to review individual cases and available housing options. Participating organizations include Hope Connections, Community Support Programs, Easterseals Louisiana, Providence House and Volunteers of America.
Hope Connections serves as the Continuum of Care lead agency for Northwest Louisiana, coordinating organizations that work with the region’s homeless population.
Hawkins said the initiative builds on efforts to improve identification and outreach. Hope Connections uses a QR-code reporting system that allows residents and businesses to report the location of someone who appears to be living unhoused, sending the information directly to its street outreach team.
The organization also is using bracelets that can be scanned to indicate whether an individual is actively receiving Hope Connections services. Hawkins said police are working with the organization on the program, allowing officers to recognize when someone is already connected with services.
Hawkins acknowledged concerns that the bracelets could be viewed as “tagging” people but said clients have embraced the program.
“The clients want them,” Hawkins said. “They want the police and other people to know that they’re in services and that they’re getting help.”
Hope Connections estimates the broader homeless population at about 90 people. Hawkins said that figure is higher than a year ago, but the increase may partly reflect improved identification through the QR-code reporting system.
The Downtown to Home initiative also intersects with efforts to address quality-of-life concerns affecting downtown residents, businesses and visitors. Hawkins said Hope Connections is working with downtown development officials on an anti-panhandling campaign that is being incorporated into new signage.
The effort comes as Louisiana implements a new law addressing unauthorized public camping. Hawkins said Hope Connections is working closely with law enforcement as the organization seeks to move people from the streets into permanent housing while avoiding additional barriers to employment and housing.