When someone seeks help after suffering domestic abuse, Julie Walker and the eight staff members of the Metro Centers for Community Advocacy for Greater New Orleans know the two things that immediately need to be done.
“The aim right away is to first let them know they are in a safe space, and second, that they are out of danger,” said Walker, who manages a temporary residential shelter for victims. “We are here for anyone experiencing family violence, whether the victim is a man or a woman. And our approach is holistic, working to meet every need of the person.”
Metro Centers is a nonprofit and confidential organization that provides emergency shelter, group support, medical and legal services and a 24-hour crisis line. Funding comes from state, federal and local grant moneys. All services are free.
The organization is an approved service for domestic violence by the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services.
“We have helped men and women ranging in age from 18 to 70 who have faced various violent situations,” Walker explained. “We have also had families come here with children and even their pets.”
The center, which recently was approved for an expansion, is set up as a communal living environment with shared rooms.
“We can accommodate 15 people, and at times, we do have more, so we manage the best we can,” Walker said. “Those coming here can stay up to 45 days. During that time, we try to get as much information about the person and the situation as possible.
“If they have family out of this area, we try to facilitate a way for them to get there so they can be placed in a safe environment. Or if they want to stay in this area, we help them with basic household needs such as an air mattress, bedding, cleaning supplies, a microwave and rental assistance.”
There are instances, Walker said, when a client goes back to the home where the violence took place.
“When that’s the case, we pass no judgment on that decision, assuring them we are here for them if they need the center again,” she added.
The shelter has a fully stocked kitchen along with meals brought in by volunteers.
Susan Rodriguez Cohoon and Stephanie Caluda are two of those volunteers.
Cohoon said her first cousin was a victim of spousal abuse at the hands of an alcoholic, as was her paternal grandmother.
“It gives me great joy to know I am providing some level of comfort and a sense that someone cares. I try to write notes of encouragement to bring along with the meal, too,” she said.
“I have friends who have been victims of horrible domestic violence,” Caluda added. “A friend of mine was also volunteering at the center and I thought it was a good cause.
“I’ve been lucky all my life and I feel really blessed. I’m happy to help the center in this way.”
Additional donations of clothes, shoes, pajamas, underwear, T-shirts, sweaters, lotions, soaps and bath towels for men, women and children are also needed.
“When survivors come into the shelter, they are bringing a few items or just the clothes on their backs,” Walker said. “Clothing and toiletries are items we could use more of.”
The organization also has satellite offices in Norco, Gretna and on the northshore that offer nonresidential services.
“I want people to know that if you are in a violent situation, you are not alone,” Walker said. “We are here and ready to help when needed.”
If you or someone you know needs help, go to mccagno.org or call (504) 837-5400 or (888) 411-1333.