Shreveport protesters against blight initiative, improve healthcare

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — A local organization is planning a peaceful protest against the city’s blight initiative, calling for the establishment of a community health center to address homelessness and provide essential services.

The local chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) claims Shreveport’s Mayor Tom Arceneaux’s Block by Block blight initiative is

to “kick out the homeless.”

However, on June 16th, Mayor Arceneux stated during his announcement that the program aims to ‘combat blight and revitalize distressed areas across Shreveport,’ which is funded by the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative.

The Shreveport DSA was one of the organizers of the city’s ‘No Kings‘ protest in June 2025 to address the city’s blight problem by advocating for the reclamation and renovation of a downtown building.

Shreveport DSA message: “Say yes to community health and no to greedy corporate wealth!”

“Upset about cuts to Medicare? Hate our current leadership? Want to see real positive change happen in your community rather than the same old horrible [redacted]? Then you should [join us] at the Good Trouble protest this Thursday!” posted the Shreveport DSA on social media this morning.

The political group details that once their goal is established, they can address the homelessness issue downtown by converting “one of the many abandoned buildings” into a community-owned health center. They state that the center will provide essential, free, and low-cost services to low-income residents.

The post invites the public to join the group on July 17th from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. outside the Caddo Courthouse on Texas Street.

“There will be a document presented to the leader of Shreveport, going more into detail about this project and how it will function. We look forward to the passing of this policy through the council in a timely but appropriate manner,” details Shreveport DSA.

For Shreveport DSA’s full letter and petition.

The Parish of Caddo and Mayor Arceneaux were contacted; however, they were unavailable for comment at this time.