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LCG Responds To Misinformation About Lafayette Evacuation Shelters

Aug 31, 2020 05:19PM ● By Flint Zerangue, Sr.
(LAFAYETTE, La.) - Over the past several days, there have been numerous misleading reports circulating on social media and various media outlets stating, "...Lafayette Parish is not accepting and/or sheltering Hurricane Laura evacuees.

In a press release from Lafayette Consolidated Government, these misleading and false reports stem from an email between LCG Chief Administrative Officer Cydra Wingerter and local non-profit organizations in which accusations have been made inferring that Lafayette will not support our neighboring communities. 

      Cydra Wingerter, LCG CAO

According to LCG, these accusations are categorically false and inappropriate.

Prior to the email, state GOHSEP officials made it clear that congregate sheltering was not advised due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Friday, August 29, 2020, Wingerter and Chief of Minority Affairs Carlos Harvin engaged with members of the non-profit and church communities to explore options for sheltering in Lafayette if the state were to request our assistance.

The release further states that after the events witnessed around the city this past weekend, which included protests over the officer-involved shooting of Trayford Pellerin, Wingerter requested local pastors "pause" efforts to establish shelters.

"I personally witnessed pedestrians walking in and along Johnston Street carrying semi-automatic weapons and wearing bullet-proof vests. I was concerned. Many people were concerned," Wingerter said. Pastors responded to Wingerter to inform her they were aware of the situation and hesitant to open a shelter because of the unrest and uncertainty.

Lafayette has been providing support to our neighboring parishes since before Hurricane Laura made landfall and will continue to support recovery efforts in any and all ways possible. Hundreds of families are currently being housed in parish hotels and as more rooms become available, we are working with the state to ensure all evacuees are properly served and cared for.

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