Our Story
More Than Three Decades of Hope
For more than 35 years, Providence House has helped thousands of families move from crisis to stability. What began as a response to an urgent community need has grown into one of Louisiana’s leading organizations dedicated to breaking the cycle of homelessness for families with children.
Every milestone represents lives changed, children given hope, and a community choosing to stand together.
A Timeline of Hope
1988
A Vision is Born
Community leaders Mary Anne Selber and Jean Sayres recognized a heartbreaking reality: families with children experiencing homelessness had nowhere to go.
Their vision planted the seeds for what would become Providence House.
September 1989
Opening the Doors
Evergreen House officially opened as a shelter for homeless families with children.
Operated by the Salvation Army, it became one of the first safe places in Northwest Louisiana dedicated specifically to keeping families together during crisis.
1992
A New Direction
When the Salvation Army ended operations, local leaders recognized that emergency shelter alone wasn’t enough.
Providence House shifted toward a transitional housing model, focusing not just on housing families, but helping them rebuild their lives.
February 1992
• Simone Hennessee became the organization’s first Executive Director.
• The Board secured nonprofit status.
A new chapter had begun.
June 1993
Providence House is Born
The Board purchased the Evergreen House property and officially renamed it Providence House.
The mission expanded beyond shelter.
Families now received:
- Individual case management
- Education
- Employment support
- Parenting resources
- Financial literacy
- Long-term housing planning
That same year, the first family graduated from the Providence House program.
“Hope had become a pathway.”
1996
A Place to Play
Providence House purchased property across the street to create a playground for the 50 to 60 children living on campus.
Because every child deserves a place to simply be a child.
1997
Expanding Our Reach
Project Next Step launched, allowing Providence House to serve even more families on their journey toward independence.
National Recognition
December 3, 2002
Providence House founders Mary Anne Selber and Jean Sayres were recognized by President George W. Bush as one of America’s Points of Light, honoring extraordinary volunteer service and community impact.
2003 to 2004
Building for the Future
A $1.9 million renovation transformed the historic Providence House campus.
The project also included construction of a new Education Center that:
- Expanded educational programming
- Increased Child Development Center capacity to 39 children
- Created more opportunities for family success
2005
Responding When Families Needed Us Most
Following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Providence House expanded services beyond its regular program to welcome 50 additional displaced families.
Project Fresh Start mobilized volunteers, connected families to resources, and helped survivors transition into permanent housing.
When disaster struck, the community responded together.
2007
Working to Learn
The Working to Learn initiative launched, connecting education with employment and helping parents build long-term economic independence.
2009
Growing Community Support
September 24
The Providence House Donation Center officially opened.
Later that year, the Gift of a Lifetime Campaign launched, encouraging supporters to invest in future generations through legacy giving.
2011
Leadership Recognized
Executive Director Simone Hennessee received the Liberty Bell Award from the Shreveport Bar Association for her extraordinary service and leadership in strengthening the community.
A New Generation of Leadership
2015
After more than two decades of visionary leadership, Simone Hennessee announced her retirement.
December 2015
Verni Howard became the second Executive Director of Providence House, continuing the organization’s commitment to empowering families.
February 2016
The Education Building was dedicated in honor of founding Executive Director Simone Hennessee, recognizing the legacy she built for countless families.
Excellence Continues
2021
Verni Howard received the Shreveport Chamber’s Minority Business Organization Nonprofit Professional of the Year award.
Providence House also celebrated being recognized as one of Shreveport’s Best Places to Work for six consecutive years.
2024
Providence House was honored by the Better Business Bureau as Nonprofit of the Year, celebrating decades of trusted service and community impact.
Looking Ahead
April 2025
Mayor Tom Arceneaux appointed Verni Howard as Shreveport’s Director of Community Development, recognizing her leadership and commitment to strengthening families and neighborhoods.
June 2025
Sharpel Welch was selected as the third Executive Director of Providence House, ushering in a new era focused on growth, innovation, and expanding opportunities for families experiencing homelessness.
The Next Chapter
The Story Is Still Being Written
Today, Providence House continues to evolve through expanded housing, workforce development, education, childcare, community partnerships, and innovative programs that help families achieve lasting independence.
As we look toward the future, our mission remains unchanged:
To break the cycle of homelessness one family at a time.
