Chez Hope facility gets a makeover

Story and Photos By CASEY COLLIER
Those familiar with Franklin’s Historic District may have noticed some changes at Chez Hope’s home office building on Main Street.
The historic building has been undergoing some cosmetic renovations over the last couple of months, as well as the addition of a privacy wall around the back lot.
Cherrise Picard, executive director of Chez Hope, explained, “The work and improvements we are doing are based on safety. The wall you see in the back is something that was very important to us, because when we expanded our services St. Martin and Iberia parishes, we renovated the back to add more units.
“So, it was very important to add that safety feature, that wall.”
The dark gray wall skirts the perimeter of the parking lot of the motel behind the main building, where five apartments of the center’s eight, are located.
The wall’s continuity is only broken up by a heavy metal gate and door.
The gate is only awaiting a motor and key panel to begin operating as the only point of ingress and exit from Jackson Street.
Picard said she will put a bin in an alcove near the gate, for future donations to My Sister’s Closet, the on-site facility available for the material assistance of those at Chez Hope.
The wall is a product of funds provided by the Department of Children and Family Services, who gave Chez Hope special consideration considering the safety factor involved.
Further renovations occurring at the Main Street location include window glazing, a street-side awning erected, new exterior lamps and retouching around the windows, and doors refurbished.
The wall was erected by the “Grass Doctor,” Darrell Washington. The painting was done by Andre Dugas of Andre Dugas Painting, and was facilitated by Rick Lorenzo.
Lorenzo is also responsible for renovations to the on-site playground and the redoing the front doors.
Contributors to the Chez Hope’s renovations also include: United Way for South Louisiana, St. Mary Parish government, City of Franklin, St. Mary Parish Foundation and Chitimacha Louisiana Open.
Chez Hope is also in need of three donated washer/dryer machines for their laundry room.
Picard said monetary donations are also accepted, no matter the size or type.
For more information, go to chezhope.org.