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Providers report rising demand as council schedules allocation vote for Christian Service
Summary
Christian Service reported a sharp increase in meals served amid the federal government shutdown; councilmembers praised the charity and noted a funding allocation for Christian Service will be considered at the Dec. 9 meeting. A separate public commenter described a proposed transitional housing project by the Lehi Up Care Foundation.
At the Nov. 3 Shreveport City Council meeting, a representative of Christian Service told the council the organization has seen a marked increase in clients in recent weeks tied to the federal government shutdown and inflation. The speaker gave specific daily counts for Nov. 3 — "at breakfast we averaged 175 individuals" and "at lunch, we did 250" — and estimated historical volumes of "16 to 17,000 meals a month" in a recent period.
Council members responded with praise and recognition of the organization's role in meeting basic needs. One council member noted the agenda included an allocation for Christian Service but said it "won't be voted on until December 9." The council emphasized the importance of feeding programs and the role such services play for residents facing hardship.
During public comment, a speaker identified as Alex Bridal described a proposed nonprofit, the Lehi Up Care Foundation, which aims to develop a transitional apartment complex in Shreveport to help homeless families. The speaker asked for council 'prayers and support' as the organization develops plans and said the foundation is 'determined to bring a solution to help end the homeless cycle here in Shreveport.'
The council did not take action on either the proposed foundation or the Christian Service allocation at the Nov. 3 meeting; the allocation was slated for consideration on Dec. 9.
