The Chez Hope Family Violence Crisis Center is raising funds to build a new emergency shelter between St. Martin and Iberia Parishes. 

The center has documented over 1,800 crisis calls for St. Mary and Iberia Parishes over the year. 

St. Mary Parish opened its emergency shelter in 2007 with only three units. The shelter is now equipped with eight family units. Each has its own private apartment with bathroom, sleeping, living, kitchen and washroom accommodations.

Organizers say the cost to expand is a million dollar project. 

Executive Director, Cherisse Picard described the growth of the current facility. “It started out as a three-room shelter. Which means we had three complete apartments and family could live in those apartments,” said Piccard.  “Last February, we resumed services in Iberia and St. Martin parishes. We expanded our shelter to an eight-room shelter. We are full at all times,” she added. 

New Iberia’s shelter, SNAP, closed last year.

In an effort to raise funds for the shelter, the organization is hosting its annual signature event Friday, July 27 at the Cade Community Center. ‘Louisiana Summer Night’ trivia night is taking place 5:00-10:00 p.m.