Shreveport Bingo Night Funds Homes for Foster Youth

When the foster care clock runs out at 18, many young women face an impossible question: where do I go now? A Shreveport nonprofit just brought the community together to make sure more of them have an answer.

Faith and Fostering held its first Black Tie Bingo fundraiser Saturday night at East Ridge Country Club, drawing a packed house of supporters. Local celebrities, including news anchor Alexandra Meachum, called bingo numbers while attendees raised funds for something far bigger than prizes.

The money goes directly toward building a tiny home community off Bert Kouns specifically for young women transitioning out of foster care. These aren't just shelters. They're launching pads.

"To make sure they have a safe and secure place," explained Community Relations Coordinator Barbara Lewis. "They will come into the home and we will teach them how to care for their home, how to budget, how to get groceries, all of these things."

The goal reaches beyond four walls and a roof. Faith and Fostering plans to wrap residents in programs teaching everything from household management to financial literacy. The endgame? Independence and stability that lasts long after they leave.

The Ripple Effect

When foster youth age out without support, the statistics are grim. Many face homelessness, unemployment, or worse. But communities like Shreveport are proving there's another way.

Faith and Fostering has already completed phase one of their tiny home project. Saturday's fundraiser pushes phase two forward, bringing more young women closer to security they can build on.

The packed country club full of businesses, organizations, and everyday community members shows something powerful: people want to invest in the next generation's success story. A bingo night might seem simple, but it represents neighbors choosing to catch young women before they fall through the cracks.

Lewis summed up what success looks like: "Our ultimate goal is they become independent and stable. We want to make sure when they leave Faith and Fostering, they have security."

One fundraiser down, more tiny homes rising soon.