5 Community Projects Receive Boost in Lafayette, Funded Through 24-Hour Citizen Project

The 24-Hour Citizen Project has once again made its mark in Lafayette. Celebrating its seventh year, the event, held on Saturday, November 11, has funded five transformative community projects, demonstrating a sustained commitment to local development and citizen-led initiatives.

Since its inception in 2016, the 24 Hour Citizen Project has been a beacon of civic engagement, empowering locals to "Dream It. Pitch It. Fund It. Do It." Over the years, it has funded a total of thirty-three projects with nearly $150,000 in private funding. This innovative platform has been pivotal in bringing to life a variety of initiatives, such as Krewe de Canailles, the Musical Instrument Library (M.I.Brary), BARE Walls, Sensory Safe Spaces, and Inclusive Prom.

This year’s event, hosted at the Acadiana Center for the Arts, showcased the diversity and creativity of the Lafayette community. The funded projects include:

• Team Acadiana Art Closet: Awarded $2,000, this project aims to install small free art supply closets throughout Lafayette Parish, focusing on areas with limited access to art resources.

• Team Barbershops, Books & Boys: With a grant of $2,400, this initiative seeks to place mini-libraries in local barber shops, encouraging reading and mentorship among children.

• Team Abby's Acre: This project, receiving $3,200, focuses on delivering ecological boost packs and educational resources to veterans, fostering both environmental diversity and community rehabilitation.

• Team Fais Doo-Doo: Funded with $3,750, this project plans to introduce pet waste stations in Downtown Lafayette, offering a practical solution for pet owners.

• Team Sensory Grooves: Receiving $3,500, this initiative will celebrate Autism Spectrum Disorder acceptance with a silent disco dance, highlighting the importance of inclusivity.

These projects reflect the community's commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and environmental sustainability.

Civicside, the nonprofit behind the 24-Hour Citizen Project, plays a crucial role in this endeavor. Their year-round efforts in recruiting projects, volunteers, partners, and funding have created a "pipeline of promise" for the region. The organization's founder, Butch Roussel, emphasizes the importance of this civic engagement.

The projects are required to provide quarterly updates through “Dear Community” letters and receive ongoing mentorship from the 24-Hour Citizen Project organization. The public can follow these updates on the project’s website, 24hourcitizenproject.com.

The backing for these projects came from a diverse group of local businesses and organizations, including Benoit & Evans, APLC, Unitech Training Academy, Social Entertainment, and many more, showcasing the community's collective investment in its betterment.

The 24-Hour Citizen Project stands as a testament to the power of community-driven change, proving that when citizens come together, they can create meaningful and lasting impact in their local environments. For more information and to get involved in future projects, visit 24hourcitizenproject.com.