Affordable Housing Complex Opens in Shreveport
The Pioneering Bayou Grande III Project Fills a Critical Need
SHREVEPORT, LA. – Amidst the ongoing loss of other low-cost housing complexes in the area, a new affordably priced residential complex, the Bayou Grande III, has officially opened its doors in Shreveport. Already fully occupied and backed by a lengthy waiting list, the complex illustrates the vital importance of affordable housing within the community.
Accommodating Diverse Income Levels
“We’re trying to ensure individuals are not paying more than forty percent of their salary towards housing. The units are principally geared towards low-income brackets, but a few are set at market rates,” explained Bobby Collins, CEO of the Shreveport Housing Authority.
The Bayou Grande III Initiative, Addressing the Housing Shortage
The Bayou Grande III complex includes a range of options, from one- to three-bedroom units, and will provide the Shreveport community members with over one hundred affordable housing units. The project seeks to address the city’s serious housing shortage, as the city is currently short by approximately 20,000 units, according to Collins.
“In this current climate, where we seem to be losing some affordable housing, having the ability to introduce 122 new affordable housing units of this quality to the community is something we are just ecstatic about,” added Collins.
Fulfilling the Demand for Affordable Housing
Even before its opening, the new complex was full and a waiting list of about 1,000 applicants has already formed, demonstrating the relatively high demand for this type of housing. Funding constraints, however, mean that they can only assist about one in every four families in need of more affordable housing.
“We should strive to create solid, affordable, clean, safe housing for as many people as we can. This is a great opportunity to do that”, Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux said.
Future Plans for Affordable Housing
Additionally, the Bayou Grande III development has two more expansion phases planned. The city of Shreveport is also exploring other proposals for affordable housing. “Well, we have a real need for affordable housing and really kind of a housing shortage. So we need to be adding to our housing stock. It’s a great addition to it,” Mayor Arceneaux noted.
With the completion of this project, more families will be given the opportunity to find a place they can call home without necessarily having to sacrifice a substantial percentage of their income. The occupants of the new Bayou Grande III affordable housing complex are expected to move in by the end of the month.
A Call for More Initiatives
Given the stark housing situation in Shreveport, more initiatives like the Bayou Grande III complex are urgently needed to cater to the housing needs of lower-income residents. This project represents a vital step in the right direction, but continued efforts from all sectors are needed to ensure everyone in Shreveport and cities alike have access to a home they can afford.
