Come on in y'all!

Come on in y’all, the doors are open!

Louisiana hospitality is alive and well in St. Joseph Diner as Catholic Charities of Acadiana prepares for our August 1st return to indoor dining…three meals a day…seven days a week…with volunteer support!

“​​I am beyond thrilled that St. Joseph Diner will be serving indoors, in-person and with the support of volunteers!  For our clients and for volunteers too, I think St. Joseph Diner really is the heart-beat of our work,” said Community Engagement Coordinator, Sarah Baquet. 

St. Joseph Diner never stopped serving those experiencing homelessness, even amidst the challenges brought by the pandemic and multiple hurricanes, but this did not happen without significant adaptations to our service over the past several years. Now, we will be moving back to breakfast and lunch completely open to the public, with a dinner for those that we are serving in our sheltering programs.

Through all of the challenges and creative adaptations, St. Joseph Diner continued in it’s unbroken service to distribute 400,000 meals annually to those experiencing hunger and food insecurity!

And we didn’t do this...we couldn’t have done this…without our supportive community. 

“So many of our volunteers feel a very fond affection for St. Joseph Diner because they love being able to form friendships with those we serve,” said Sarah. “This friendship is both mutually welcomed and hope-filled. It is a chance to know and be known, to know that none of us is alone in the hardships of life. When we are together, it's not "us” serving "them", it's just "us." 

Catholic Charities of Acadiana can’t wait to see our “family” back around the table! Please come be a part of “us!” 

St. Joseph Diner is a 100% donor-supported program of Catholic Charities of Acadiana, having operated as a traditional soup kitchen since 1983. Contributions to St. Joseph Diner can be made at https://bit.ly/StJosephDiner. Those wishing to volunteer for this service opportunity can view available shifts at https://bit.ly/StJosephDinerVolunteer.