By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – A $272,000 renovation to the St. John the Baptist Parish Health and Human Services building in Reserve, which began last Monday, has forced the department to relocate to temporary facilities in LaPlace.

The department has move from its Central Avenue location to temporary offices located at 975 Cambridge Drive, said St. John spokeswoman Paige Braud. She said the department will share leased office space with other state government and unemployment offices.

Braud said the building that houses the existing Health and Human Services offices is nearly 30 years old and in need of renovation and expansion. She said the department, which was established in 2008, has since outgrown the building.

Braud said plans for the renovation include the addition of eight offices, a waiting room, a conference room and a small kitchen.

“This department is one that is frequently visited by many residents on both the east bank and west bank,” Braud said. “The renovations will give residents more space while also giving the staff more space to operate.”

Braud said the work is expected to take four months to complete, during which time all services will be provided at the Cambridge Drive office. She said the project is funded through grants from the Louisiana Government Assistance Program and the parish’s building maintenance fund.

The St. John Parish Council recently approved a bid for the work from Lanco Construction Company of LaPlace.

“We look forward to completion of the renovations to the HHS building because of the positive impact it will have on our residents,” said Parish President Natalie Robottom.

The department assists low-income families and individuals in finding benefits and services for which they are eligible such as financial management, educational opportunities, health care services, improved or preserved housing, food and nutrition, transportation and work experience. 

All programs help low-income people become more self-sufficient by improving their living conditions and thereby strengthening the community. Residents in need of assistance can visit the Department of Health and Human Services or call 985-652-9569 or 985-536-4955 for guidance.