St. Charles Parish Community Action Advisory Board Meeting - June 10, 2026

The St. Charles Parish Community Action Advisory Board met on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at 5:09 PM in the Council Chambers of the Courthouse in Hahnville, LA. The meeting was called to order with a quorum present, and included approval of past minutes, old and new business, and discussion of summer programs, food assistance, and community recreation needs. The next meeting was scheduled for August 12, 2026, with no meeting in July.

Consent Calendar

• The agenda was accepted as written and the minutes of the previous meeting were approved by unanimous motion.

Old Business

• Alternate Designation: Ms. Judy Bernard, HOA president of Riverwood Estates in St. Rose, was introduced as a potential alternate board member. Board members introduced themselves to Ms. Bernard.

New Business

• Director’s Report:
  • Summer enrichment programs are running at full capacity at three locations (St. Rose, Kelowna, and Boutte) with structured activities Monday–Thursday, including field trips (e.g., swamp tours in Westwego). The summer food program operates at two sites (Harry Hearst on the East Bank, R.K. Smith on the West Bank) with bus service provided through the school board. Average daily meals: 300 (150 per side). Initial food order was approximately $10,000 for the first half of the summer; an extra order was needed due to higher-than-expected participation. The program runs six weeks through mid-July. United Way provided $9,000 to underwrite facility costs, and the parish council approved about $15,000 for bus service. Meals are home-cooked, compliant with USDA guidelines, and have minimal waste.
  • Community food bank updates: Donnie noted his food bank serves 250 families every third Wednesday, and asked participants to identify themselves as St. Charles Parish residents to reduce double-dipping. Multiple food banks collaborate across the parish.
• Monthly Program Report (Sheila):
  • HEAP assistance: 133 clients, total $55,100, impacting 230 household members.
  • Crisis disconnects: 17 clients, $3,932.27, impacting 42 household members.
  • Local emergency assistance: 26 clients, $7,500.74, impacting 49 household members (14 water bills, 3 rents).
  • Share the Warmth (Atmos Energy): 5 clients, $1,670.04, impacting 9 households.
  • Second Harvest food bank: 64 clients, impacting 116 household members.
  • Home rehab programs: Various repairs completed by volunteers and contractors; total expenditures for HVAC repairs: $19,786.64; USDA grant project: $10,244.10; handicap modification: $4,009.21.
  • Snacks provided at three community centers: 1,258 snacks in May.
  • St. Rose Community Center: after-school drop-in participation, facility use, computer lab, library outreach, Easter tea events.
  • Discussion of water bill adjustments: A board member noted that water bills can sometimes be reduced if leaks are repaired and documented with the water company.

Discussion Items

• Lack of Public Swimming Facilities & Basketball Courts: Multiple board members expressed frustration that St. Charles Parish has no public swimming pools despite annual drownings. Keith stated the parish has no public swimming facility, calling it a “shame.” Other members agreed and noted that splash parks are a first step but not enough. Board members also raised the lack of indoor basketball facilities accessible to all children, especially in Hahnville. It was decided to invite a representative from Parks and Recreation to the August 12 meeting to address these concerns.
• Fortified Roof Program: The statewide lottery program was discussed. It covers approximately half the cost of a new roof (about $10,000 of a $20,000 roof) and is not income-based. Applicants must pay the difference out-of-pocket. A board member noted the program has periodic openings and can help reduce insurance costs.

Key Outcomes

• Approved agenda and minutes from previous meeting.
• Introduced Judy Bernard as an alternate board member.
• Acknowledged successful launch of summer enrichment, food programs, and food bank operations.
• Appointed Donnie as alternate board member for Mary Walker, who will be out due to surgery.
• Scheduled the next meeting for August 12, 2026; no meeting in July.
• Directed staff to invite a Parks and Recreation representative to the August meeting to discuss public swimming and basketball facilities.
• Reminded attendees of summer safety (alligators, pools, heat) and urged continued promotion of the summer food program.