More than 30 people attended a community meeting Friday, September 26, at the Minden library to discuss homelessness in the area.
The meeting, led by D McCoy, brought together law enforcement officers, organizational leaders, and community members. The purpose was to share information, identify existing resources, and begin fact-finding.
“There’s a multitude of reasons why people live outside of the community — some of it by choice and some of it by circumstance,” McCoy said. She emphasized the importance of working with law enforcement and civic organizations to coordinate efforts. “The goal is to come together to see what our community needs. All of us have different talents, skills, and knowledge.”
Chief McIver described several homeless encampments in the Minden area, including locations behind the girls softball field, and said numbers fluctuate frequently. “A camp that had four people one day, might only have one the next,” he said. McIver noted that most residents are unaware of the situation because homeless individuals tend to sleep during the day and forage or dumpster dive at night. He added they are rarely linked to serious crime but often leave behind large amounts of trash when camps are abandoned.
McIver also shared the story of a woman who recently became homeless with her two children. Community donations helped provide temporary housing, and efforts are underway to find a more permanent solution.
Speakers included Oreata Banks of Webster Parish Schools, who outlined district resources for students and families, members of UCAP who described community needs, and Barbara Goston, founder of Food 4 the Soul, who shared her experiences feeding the hungry.
McCoy encouraged residents to get involved. “There comes a time when everyone needs help,” she said. “It takes all of us doing little pieces, and it also takes specific individuals stepping up to the mark to lead. Today was not answer day. Today was to start the conversation.”
Anyone interested in participating or offering resources may contact McCoy at 318-453-4525.
