Shreveport celebrates $24.2 million Choice Neighborhood Grant Initiative

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — Mayor Tom Arceneaux and the Department of Community Development hosted a meeting to celebrate the culmination of Shreveport’s 24.2 million dollar Choice Neighborhood Grant Initiative on Wednesday, Sept. 10.

“The city and my administration is the beneficiary of this Choice Neighborhood Grant,” said Arceneaux.

The grant was awarded to the city in 2018, and without it, housing complexes like Bayou Grande wouldn’t exist.

The demolition of Wilkinson Terrace in 2021 caused many low to moderate-income families to relocate to Bayou Grande. Shreveport’s director of community development, Verni Howard, said residents were in dire need of a place to live.

“There’s a housing need because there’s a housing shortage. Housing costs so much, and people can’t afford it. Plus, we knew we had a housing complex, Wilkinson Terrace, that would be torn down, and we needed to relocate those people,” said Howard.

She also emphasized the importance of forming a connection with residents to truly build a long-lasting neighborhood.

“When we begin to see, value, and respect people no matter their walk of life, you then know how to build community,” said Howard.