SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) – There could be a new resource to help people after severe weather and power outages.

“These centers are places where they can seek shelter and receive essential services to avoid serious illness and sometimes death after a severe storm,” said Caddo Commission Chairman John-Paul Young.

On Wednesday (Oct. 23), commissioners met to discuss funding needed to expand a Community Lighthouse program.

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The Lighthouse offers different ways to help support and provide for those in need during times of crisis. The centers are fully self-contained and capable of providing electricity to all parts of the center deemed necessary for things like air conditioning, heating and power supply, among other amenities.

“The solar array transports and backs up water systems to help deal with emergency outages caused by extreme weather events or any other cause that causes them in our community,” Young said.

Young told KSLA why having these types of community resources can be helpful in times of crisis.

“It is a well-known fact now that most people do not die during a storm or weather event that causes an outage. They die because of the inconvenience of not having electricity when they depend on it, or water systems when they depend on it,” he explained.

Funding for the project comes from a grant from the American Rescue Plan, which will cost approximately $500,000. By a vote of 4-6, the Caddo Parish Commission voted to move the proposal before the commission.

If approved, it would result in the construction of a third community lighthouse. This one would be at the Galilee Baptist Church, in Caddo Parish. The first is at Morningstar Baptist Church and the second is in progress at Highland Center.

Young requested that the new center have a backup water system, after the 2021 winter storm.

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