Restoration House helping growing number affected by homelessness

Over the past few years, the number of individuals and families experiencing homelessness has increased in Abbeville and Vermilion Parish. 
Unfortunately, no homeless shelters or other facilities in our parish can provide temporary housing for our neighbors in need.
Close to 30% of people who are experiencing homelessness have some form of behavioral health disorder. This often results in their inability to work, but many are able to receive disability income. The income from social security disability is relatively low, and affordable housing is limited. However, the biggest hurdle for many people is the move-in cost, including rental and utility deposits. A typical household can expect to pay between $300-$1000 at the time of move-in.
Seeing the growing need in our community, a group of concerned individuals from Abbeville have formed Restoration House. 
“The mission of Restoration House is to offer housing to men and women suffering from behavioral health issues and who are currently experiencing homelessness in Vermilion Parish,” said St. Paul’s  Episcopal Church’s Mother Madge McLain, who serves on the board.
Restoration House accomplishes this mission by partnering with rental property owners in Abbeville to secure safe, decent housing that is appropriate for the household. Then Restoration House pays the rental and utility deposits and other move-in costs on behalf of the household and provides some essential household items and furniture. With a relatively small amount of financial assistance during move-in, many people are able to leave homelessness (or avoid it entirely!) and remain stably housed for years. The Restoration House team can then provide on-going case management and emotional support, as needed, to help the household maintain their housing.
As a result of this successful model, Restoration House has assisted five households with stable housing in the 18 months since the organization’s inception. These households are no longer homeless but have been restored as our neighbors, with safe, dignified places to live in Abbeville.
“We also recently added a transitional home for women and children,” McLain said. “This allows us to offer emergency housing instead of paying for hotel rooms. Families stay in this home until we find something more permanent.”
If you’d like to help Restoration House continue to restore the lives of neighbors who have fallen on hard times, your donation may be sent to Restoration House, 100 W. Vermilion St, Abbeville, La. 70510. Property owners interested in partnering with Restoration House or those seeking additional information may call Mother Madge McClain at 337-893-3195