New Affordable Housing Complex Opens in Opelousas by LHC and Partners

Opelousas, LA — The Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC) celebrated alongside housing partners to open the doors to the Gilliam Apartments which established additional safe, affordable, and energy-efficient housing for individuals and families in Opelousas.

The Gilliam Apartments is a total of 14 units within two buildings. The apartment complex sits in an old community neighborhood. Originally the property was vacant for some time but has now transformed. The new construction will provide quality living standards, and it will serve the needs of the community.

LHC awarded $2.8 million through HOME funds. “LHC worked alongside several incredible housing partners to create the Gilliam Apartments. We are especially grateful to Mark Tolson with Le Centre Evangeline Corporation, Charles Tate with Jasmine Consulting, Reverend Wille Maynard Jr., and the Gilliam Board Members for helping us bring affordable housing to the people of Opelousas,” said LHC Executive Director Marjorianna Willman. “Looking back at what this desolate property once was and to see what it is today makes our job rewarding at LHC.”

Across the street from the Gilliam Apartments is the St. Paul Baptist Church, and Rev. Willie Maynard Jr. had a long-held dream to build some form of affordable housing across from the church. Once the project began, the Gilliam Apartments established a Board to maintain the apartment complex.

Gilliam Board Members say some of the tenants have already claimed some of the units and are excited to begin the next chapter of their lives in their new homes. “The construction of Gilliam Apartments on Bellevue St. in Opelousas, LA on a mixed-use street does not happen often,” said Gilliam Board Member Paul Scott. “Through the funding streams of LHC and many other supporting services, this will be the new normal. With the supply of working-class housing at an all-time low nationally, Gilliam is changing those numbers 14 apartment units at a time. There has not been any new construction on Bellevue Street in the last 25 years. Today Gilliam changes that.”

Other housing partners that took part in developing the Gilliam Apartments include Hensor Contractors, Ardoin Architecture, and Kennedy Management Company.

If you or someone you know may be interested in leasing a home at the Gilliam Apartments complex, please contact the property leasing office on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The office number is (337) 678-0784.

Breanne Bizette
Public Information Officer, Louisiana Housing Corporation
PublicAffairs@lhc.la.gov

ABOUT LHC

The purpose of the LHC is to substantially increase the availability of affordable, accessible, and safe residential housing in Louisiana. The LHC was created in 2011 when the Louisiana Legislature merged the Louisiana Housing Finance Agency with housing programs from other state agencies to streamline how the state would address its housing needs, avoid duplication of efforts, and improve service to the general public. The LHC administers federal and state funds through programs designed to advance the development of energy-efficient and affordable housing for low- and moderate-income families, drives housing policy for Louisiana, and oversees the state’s Disaster Housing Task Force.