An old warehouse next door to Hope Connections on Levy Street in Shreveport is about to become so much more.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held today at the building that will house Christian Service, which feeds and clothes local residents in need.

"Some of you may recall that in 1970, 45 years ago, Sister Margaret McCaffrey started feeding hungry children breakfast down behind First Methodist Church," said Jane Snyder with the Christian Service Board. "And that was the beginning of Christian Service."

Snyder says since then, the program continues to feed the community in many different ways, and has now moved into a new phase.

Christian Service Director Al Moore said the ministry is collaborating with Hope Connections to create a one-stop-shop for all the people the program serves. Food, clothing and emergency assistance will be available at the new location.

Moore said two hot meals a day are served 364 days a year. He said the facility is only closed on Christmas, because other organizations serve the community that day.

"We do breakfast from 9:30 to 10:30 and we do lunch from 2 to 4," Moore said. "We do that 2 to 4 because we catch those kids that's getting out of school, might be their last meal of the day."

CS President, and Caddo Parish Commissioner, Lynn Cawthorne called today's event a momentous occasion.

"Here in the City of Shreveport, we haven't always been able to collaborate," he said. "But this is a beautiful thing. We are consolidating campuses on a one-stop-shop for indigent people in the local community."

Jason Cram with Vintage Design Group says his crew will be transforming the old building into one with fresh paint and offices, a cafeteria and dining facility, and a clothes shopping area. He said right now, it's expected to take 180 days to finish construction.

The facility still has some needs, like a donor to help with appliances and cookware. Visit the Christian Service website if you'd like to help.

Here's what the inside of the building will look like once it's all done:

Christian Service plan EDIT
Image courtesy of Vintage Design Group
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