ACADIANA NEEDS

To See Communities Rid of Poverty & See Needs Fulfilled.

“If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.”

— 1 John 3:17-18

Why Acadiana Needs Exists

Understand poverty in Acadiana, Louisiana

Downtown Lafayette, Louisiana

Photo: Downtown Lafayette, Louisiana

Acadiana Needs exists to love and serve our Louisiana neighbors just as Jesus taught. By networking, educating, and offering real resources, we help people see their true worth through God's eyes. As the hands and feet of Christ, we bring hope, change, and restoration. Watching lives transform physically, mentally, spiritually, and socially. Our goal is simple: equip everyone to blossom into who God created them to be, with a place to belong in His Kingdom.

In the heart of Acadiana, a quiet crisis continues to grow.

While our region holds deep Cajun roots and a strong sense of community, many of our neighbors silently face the harsh realities of poverty and homelessness. In 2024 alone, nearly 400 individuals in Lafayette Parish were identified as experiencing homelessness. A number that only scratches the surface, as many go uncounted and unseen.

What's more, the poverty rate in Acadiana sits between 18-22%, significantly higher than the Louisiana state average of 17.8%. This means nearly 1 in 5 people in our parishes are living below the poverty line. And with limited affordable housing options and rising costs of living, families are often one emergency away from crisis.

Acadiana Needs exists to stand in that gap.

We are here to meet urgent needs, stabilize lives, and walk alongside individuals toward long-term transformation. Whether through housing support, counseling, clothing, or a simple meal, our mission is to make sure no one walks alone.

We believe in restoring dignity, rebuilding hope, and reimagining what's possible for our community together.

Sources: datausa.io | censusreporter.org

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EVERY PERSON DESERVES THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE SEEN, HEARD, AND UNDERSTOOD.

YOU MATTER.

What We Do

Meet Immediate Needs

Through our Next Steps Program, we provide on-demand support to those experiencing crisis, offering showers, clean clothes, hygiene kits, food bags, laundry services, transportation to shelters, and access to a safe, welcoming Day Room. These services are opportunities to restore dignity, build trust, and remind each person they're not alone.

Learn About Our Programs

Walk Toward Long-Term Change

We believe transformation happens through relationship. That's why our Thrive Program offers more than just resources, it offers real connection, accountability, and hope. From job readiness to financial education, personal development, and safe housing, we walk with individuals as they take courageous steps toward stability and self-sufficiency.

Create Community & Purpose

Acadiana Thrift isn't just a trendy or affordable place to shop, it's part of our mission. It serves as an equipping space where our long-term members gain hands-on experience, develop job readiness skills, and build confidence in a supportive community. Every donation and purchase helps fuel this transformation and reminds our region that hope is always worth investing in.

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Acadiana Needs — Hours

Monday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Tuesday - Thursday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Friday - Sunday: CLOSED

337.555.1234 | info@acadiananeeds.org

101 Main Street, Lafayette, Louisiana 70501

Acceptable Donations

We are not a donation drop-off site for Acadiana Thrift (Refer to their site for store donations). However, if you have pantry donations, please refer to our LinkTree for a list of acceptable items at Acadiana Needs.

ACADIANA NEEDS LINKTREE

2025

ACADIANA, LOUISIANA — OUR REGION + OUR RESPONSIBILITY

Services Redeemed

8,247

Clients Served

612

Value Invested

$84,532.18

$52,847.23

Funds Spent on Clients — 100% Donor-Funded

2024 COMBINED FOOD SERVICES

In 2024, the Next Steps Program made a significant impact in easing hunger in Acadiana through the combined efforts of distributing canned food and our partnership with local restaurants and food banks. Together, these initiatives allowed us to bless and feed numerous individuals and families in need throughout the year.

Food Vouchers Services Used — 420 | 298 Clients

Restaurant Shared Table Services Used — 2,456 | 387 Clients

Cat + Dog Food Services Used — 65 | 28 Clients

Total Services Used: 2,941 | Total Clients: 713

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Volunteers packing suppliesCommunity supportFood distributionTeam meetingVolunteers helpingCommunity event