It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Jean Louis Alexandre De Breard Monument gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Monroe, LA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“These are skilled professions that give wonderful care. Thank you! Special thank you to Patricia”
“Always Best has been amazing in helping me with my father who has Alzheimer's and”
“My family and I love Always Best Care!”
“The workers are nice and knowledgeable of their job. I would recommend the company to”
“I love their caring services and would recommend them to anyone wanting to age in”
“The company is TOP TIER, very flexible with my son’s school hours, always very nice.”
“The company is an amazing company! The staff is wonderful, and the pay is great!”
“Always best care caregivers are very dependable and very hard workers goes above and beyond”
“I've been working with Always Best Care for over a year now, and I can”
“Always best senior care is a great company to work with. I've been working with”
“Always Best Care is a commendable agency specializing in placing reliable caregivers in the homes”
“We have been very pleased with services from Always Best Care. They are awesome! They”
“Angela Powell is the best! She wears her scrubs, comes right in my mother’s home”
“This agency is very caring and professional. If an issue arises they make sure it”
“Other Always Best Care has allowed my dad and step-mother to stay in their home. These”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care started helping me in July,”
“By far the best personality for this job. Plenty of patience and a bubbly attitude.”
“Summer Riggs made new homeownership a reality for our family. I highly recommend Summer Riggs!”
“Current employer I love the staff everyone is very understanding and the clients are nice”
“My husband and I will be gone on a 50th anniversary vacation trip for 14”
“Summer has always been excited about new homes and it shows in her work. She”
“Always Best Care was a GOD send for me. I did not worry about my”
“I am a current client of this provider We've been extremely pleased with Always Best Care”
“These are skilled professions that give wonderful care. Thank you! Special thank you to Patricia and McKinsey for you attention to detail on multiple occasions!❤️”
“Always Best has been amazing in helping me with my father who has Alzheimer's and he had a stroke so he has limited mobility. They even go the extra mile and I'd like to mention Cynthia and Tracy for their outstanding service! It truly takes a hero to do what you guys do, as this is a very difficult job that requires amazing patience.”
“My family and I love Always Best Care!”
“The workers are nice and knowledgeable of their job. I would recommend the company to others”
“I love their caring services and would recommend them to anyone wanting to age in place. Thank you Always Best Care!”
“The company is TOP TIER, very flexible with my son’s school hours, always very nice. I love them! A HUGE help for me!”
“The company is an amazing company! The staff is wonderful, and the pay is great! I would highly recommend this company.”
“Always best care caregivers are very dependable and very hard workers goes above and beyond for their clients”
“I've been working with Always Best Care for over a year now, and I can honestly say it's been an incredible experience. The support from the office staff is top-notch - they're always available to answer questions, provide guidance, and help with any issues that arise. The clients I've worked with have been wonderful, and I appreciate the care and attention the company puts into matching caregivers with clients who are a good fit. I highly recommend Always Best Care to any caregiver looking for a supportive, flexible, and rewarding work environment. Keep up the great work & thanks so much!”
“Always best senior care is a great company to work with. I've been working with Always best for a little over a year now and I absolutely love it. My clients are so sweet The company is very family oriented They don't just care about the clients they also care about the workers. My daddy was in the hospital and ended up passing away the company allowed me to take off so I could be at the hospital with my daddy, and after he passed away they allowed me to be off rest of the week.”
“Always Best Care is a commendable agency specializing in placing reliable caregivers in the homes of elderly patients. Recently, I engaged their services to find a caregiver for my grandmother, and I couldn't be more satisfied with the outcome. Cyndi Williams from Always Best Care was instrumental throughout the process. Her dependability and understanding made the entire experience smooth and reassuring. From our initial consultation to the caregiver placement, Cyndi and the staff at Always best Care ensured that my grandmother's needs were prioritized, which greatly eased what could have been a challenging transition. Thanks to Always Best Care, my grandmother is not only well cared for but also genuinely happy with her caregiver. This has brought immense relief and peace of mind to our family, knowing that she is in capable hands. Overall, I highly recommend Always Best Care for their professionalism, compassion, and commitment to providing excellent elderly care services. They have truly made a positive difference in our lives during a time of significant adjustment. Claire Breslow”
“We have been very pleased with services from Always Best Care. They are awesome! They are very thorough, punctual, caring and helpful group. Shout out to Cynthia for going the extra mile to facilitate VA help for my step father. If your loved one is in need for in home care I highly recommend this company.”
“Angela Powell is the best! She wears her scrubs, comes right in my mother’s home and gets busy doing whatever my mother needs her to do. She just takes it upon herself to do things that she sees that needs to be done. Angela has a great disposition. I can tell she loves what she does. Our family absolutely loves and appreciates Angela. Thank you to Always Best Care!!!!!”
“This agency is very caring and professional. If an issue arises they make sure it gets solved.”
“Other Always Best Care has allowed my dad and step-mother to stay in their home. These ladies quickly learned the routine that they like and take very good care of them. The office staff are so helpful and quick to find a replacement sitter if someone calls in sick. I highly recommended this agency for your loved ones”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care started helping me in July, 2022. My husband needs daily care and we have been more than pleased with the caregivers that they have provided. The Staff is so professional and efficient, yet like family at the same time. Their focus is on their patients and the families. They have made my life so much easier. Highly recommend!!”
“By far the best personality for this job. Plenty of patience and a bubbly attitude. I will definitely be using her again when I’m ready to sell. I highly recommend her.”
“Summer Riggs made new homeownership a reality for our family. I highly recommend Summer Riggs!”
“Current employer I love the staff everyone is very understanding and the clients are nice and you will never find a better place to work and they are very respectful, understanding and caring bosses. They pair you up with clients that matches your personality. I really love working for this company and how they treat their employees.”
“My husband and I will be gone on a 50th anniversary vacation trip for 14 days. During that time our wonderful caregiver has agreed to be “on-call”. We are so grateful for her and there is no way we could take this trip without the peace of mind that her presence gives me! Thank you ABC for the service that your company provides and for the personal touch that you and your sister provide. Marilyn Get Outlook for iOS”
“Summer has always been excited about new homes and it shows in her work. She loves her job because she gets to find the perfect home for her clients. I highly recommend Summer to anyone looking to buy or sell a home.”
“Always Best Care was a GOD send for me. I did not worry about my Mother . I could go to work and know she was in excellent hands Very professional. Came on time. Treated us like family”
“I am a current client of this provider We've been extremely pleased with Always Best Care of Monroe. They've been very helpful and the caregiver that we have working for us is fantastic. I would give them a very high recommendation. They started in July and have done exactly what we wanted them to do for our needs, and met those needs.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Forsythe Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Doe's Eat Place Of Monroe or visit Cooley House, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Monroe, LA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Monroe, LA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Monroe, LA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
MONROE, La. (KNOE) - The Monroe City Council voted against Timothy Williams as the next fire chief during their meeting on June 10.The controversy continues following the vote against Williams, as he was the second candidate to be voted down.Daniel Overturf was voted down in November 2024.Williams has been with the Bastrop Fire Department since 2000 and has served as fire chief since 2022.According to documents received from Mayor Friday Ellis’s office, Williams was the only one out of five candidates with c...
MONROE, La. (KNOE) - The Monroe City Council voted against Timothy Williams as the next fire chief during their meeting on June 10.
The controversy continues following the vote against Williams, as he was the second candidate to be voted down.
Daniel Overturf was voted down in November 2024.
Williams has been with the Bastrop Fire Department since 2000 and has served as fire chief since 2022.
According to documents received from Mayor Friday Ellis’s office, Williams was the only one out of five candidates with chief experience.
Mayor Ellis said this made him more than qualified for the role.
“Timothy Williams also scored the highest on the chief’s test, and has over 20 years or more experience serving his community. It’s disappointing to hear that the Council would think that Timothy is not qualified,” said Mayor Ellis.
Mayor Ellis’s documents also revealed that multiple attempts were made with several city council members to let them know of Mayor Ellis’s choice to appoint Timothy Williams as chief, and hardly any replies were received.
The documents also revealed that Williams requested to meet with four of the council members, in which no replies were received then.
The vote was three to one, with Chairwoman Juanita Woods and council members Rodney McFarland and Verbon Muhammad voting against it.
However, council member Doug Harvey voted for Williams to become chief, and Gretchen Ezernack was absent.
Woods said her concern is his transition from a smaller to a larger fire department.
“I think that we need someone that’s probably more familiar that is more in tune with our fire department and that has the experience and the expertise to run this fire department,” said Woods.
Muhammad said he would like to see someone take the position who is already employed with the fire department.
“There are candidates within the Monroe Fire Department who have risen through the ranks and who have dedicated and sacrificed their life and a career to be in a position to become the chief,” said Muhammad.
McFarland agreed with Woods that the transition would potentially set Williams up for failure.
“When we compare Bastrop to Monroe, that’s apples and oranges. That department is going from 50 people to right at 200 people. That’s not the same. We need someone that, when they get here, they can hit the ground running,” said McFarland.
Mayor Ellis said, despite the recent decisions by the council, he will continue to bring the best candidates forward to the council for consideration.
We reached out to Timothy Williams and Monroe Firefighter’s Association President Jeremy Hinton, and they have declined to comment.
Council member Doug Harvey sent a statement regarding the decision:
We also reached out to council member Ezernack for a statement, but have also not received a response.
Copyright 2025 KNOE. All rights reserved.
MONROE, La. (KNOE) - As temperatures rise, some senior citizens in Monroe are getting relief. This initiative is bringing comfort and gratitude to those in Monroe.With summer temperatures here, 175 seniors in South Monroe are getting the gift of cool air, thanks to a partnership between city leaders, local ministries and state lawmakers.City Councilman Rodney McFarland and Councilwoman Juanita Woods announced the initiative.“We have 175 air conditioners because of us working together in order to make sure that our ...
MONROE, La. (KNOE) - As temperatures rise, some senior citizens in Monroe are getting relief. This initiative is bringing comfort and gratitude to those in Monroe.
With summer temperatures here, 175 seniors in South Monroe are getting the gift of cool air, thanks to a partnership between city leaders, local ministries and state lawmakers.
City Councilman Rodney McFarland and Councilwoman Juanita Woods announced the initiative.
“We have 175 air conditioners because of us working together in order to make sure that our senior citizens on the South side of Monroe are comfortable this summer,” said McFarland.
The air conditioning units were made possible with support from multiple agencies, including JRF Outreach and Janet Floyd Ministries, and will be passed out on Wednesday and Thursday. Dr. Janet Floyd says her organization served as the connector to bring the effort to life.
“First and foremost when you look at us, the top take away sweat so it’ll be a cooler summer for our senior citizens. You know, they’ve given so much to the community, they’re giving their lives so that we could have a better life. We just believe in giving back,” said Floyd.
Floyd says the project couldn’t have happened without critical funding and leadership from Senator Katrina Jackson, Representative Adrian Fisher, and the brothers of Region 3 of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge.
And for seniors like Florenstene Calloway-Smith, the impact is deeply appreciated.
“It says that they have a caring heart and I thank God that they do have a caring heart and it makes a difference in our lives,” said Calloway Smith.
A simple act of kindness making a big impact during Louisiana’s hottest months.
Copyright 2025 KNOE. All rights reserved.
MONROE, La. (KNOE) - Buying a home can feel overwhelming, but a local event is helping Monroe residents take the first step.The Home in Monroe Housing Fair & Expo was held on May 31 at the Monroe Civic Center. The event brought together future homebuyers, city leaders, lenders and housing professionals to make the path to homeownership a little easier.“Events like this are great. It allows you to get out there and get to meet people… and really helping them know what the next steps are to get started with purch...
MONROE, La. (KNOE) - Buying a home can feel overwhelming, but a local event is helping Monroe residents take the first step.
The Home in Monroe Housing Fair & Expo was held on May 31 at the Monroe Civic Center. The event brought together future homebuyers, city leaders, lenders and housing professionals to make the path to homeownership a little easier.
“Events like this are great. It allows you to get out there and get to meet people… and really helping them know what the next steps are to get started with purchasing a home,” said one participating realtor.
Hosted by Centric Federal Credit Union in partnership with the City of Monroe, the fair focused on both education and empowerment. Attendees had the chance to meet realtors, mortgage lenders, developers and city officials, all while learning about housing programs and financial assistance.
“Our goal is to inspire aspiring homebuyers to learn about the process, meet bankers, realtors… but also find a way to communicate with our existing homeowners about grant programs that we have,” an event organizer explained.
The city is currently offering over $6.4 million in housing-related grants, which were highlighted at the expo. That includes a $4.4 million lead hazard paint grant and a $2 million housing production grant both designed to improve housing quality and affordability in Monroe.
“We’re highlighting our Safe Housing Program… a $4.4 million lead hazard paint grant and a $2 million housing production grant,” said a city official.
Organizers say the fair wasn’t just about homeownership, it was about long-term investment in the community. They hope those who attended leave with a clearer understanding of how to achieve their dream of owning a home, and how that benefits the entire city.
Copyright 2025 KNOE. All rights reserved.
MONROE, LA — A new chapter begins in Northeast Louisiana today with the grand opening of The Hotel Monroe. The design-forward boutique hotel seamlessly blends historic architecture with modern Southern hospitality. The Hotel Monroe buildings originally stood as a Sugar Brothers Grocery and Opera House. Since then, they have housed a hardware store, poolside shop, and in the 1920s, the Star Hotel. The buildings have been carefully restored to create a boutique hotel that caters to today’s...
MONROE, LA — A new chapter begins in Northeast Louisiana today with the grand opening of The Hotel Monroe. The design-forward boutique hotel seamlessly blends historic architecture with modern Southern hospitality. The Hotel Monroe buildings originally stood as a Sugar Brothers Grocery and Opera House. Since then, they have housed a hardware store, poolside shop, and in the 1920s, the Star Hotel. The buildings have been carefully restored to create a boutique hotel that caters to today’s traveler while honoring the stories, heritage, and charm of Northeast Louisiana.
Joining Hilton’s Tapestry Collection, the 69-room property now returns to its roots as a gathering place for community, culture, and connection. With stunning meeting spaces, curated guestroom amenities, and a deep sense of place, The Hotel Monroe reflects the character and craft of Northeast Louisiana.
We wanted to create more than just a place to stay—we envisioned a gathering place that reflects Monroe’s rich cultural roots and forward momentum. From the reclaimed wood beams to the locally inspired menus, every detail was personally selected to celebrate the heritage of this vibrant city and offer visitors and locals a destination they can be proud of. Michael Echols, Co-Owner of The Hotel Monroe
The hotel’s identity is deeply tied to Monroe’s cultural arts scene, featuring hand-painted murals by Louisiana artists Jay Davis and Nick Bustamante, as well as curated materials by local artisans, including Bayou Woodworks, Black Bayou Clay Co., and The Foundry in Ruston.
Now accepting reservations for stays beginning May 29, 2025, The Hotel Monroe is expected to generate over $10 million in economic impact in its first year, with a community-first hiring model creating up to 100 jobs locally.
It’s truly an honor to work closely with such an incredible ownership group on a historic project of this magnitude. This is more than a hotel—it’s a statement about the future of Monroe.
The hotel’s preservation-led renovation retains original arched windows, wood-beam ceilings, and reclaimed brick walls throughout its public spaces. Interior design was led by Christie Echols, who envisioned a space that felt lived-in, layered, and warm—an authentic nod to Monroe’s culture and landscape.
My goal was to create a space that felt deeply rooted in Monroe’s story—a place where the design felt residential, soulful, and welcoming. We partnered with incredible local artisans and makers to infuse meaning into every detail. This project has truly been a labor of love.
The 69 guestrooms include Standard Kings, Riverview Rooms, Courtyard Rooms, Deluxe Soaker Tub rooms, and ADA-accessible accommodations—all appointed with sumptuous, made in the USA Kingsdown mattresses, Molton Brown amenities, Boca Terry robes, luxury linens, 55” smart TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, hydration stations, and Hilton Honors perks.
Dining at The Hotel Monroe includes:
With more than 7,000 square feet of flexible event space—including the grand Opera House Ballroom (4,740 sq ft) and four additional meeting rooms—The Hotel Monroe is designed to host weddings, conferences, and social gatherings with grace and southern style. Each space features modern AV equipment, a historic ambiance, and customizable layouts.
Whether visiting for business, a wedding, or a weekend escape, The Hotel Monroe invites guests to settle in and stay awhile, with stories in the walls and Southern comfort in every detail.
The Hotel Monroe is a boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown Monroe, Louisiana, offering 69 thoughtfully designed guestrooms, a Southern-inspired dining experience, rooftop cocktails, and historic event spaces. A proud member of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection, the hotel celebrates Monroe’s cultural heritage through art, design, and community-focused hospitality.
Learn more at www.tapestrycollection.com/thehotelmonroe.???? 844-866-6763???? Instagram: @thehotelmonroe
Cornerstone Hospitality is a distinctive hotel consulting and hospitality management company specializing in the development, repositioning, and management of historic and boutique hotels. Headquartered in Williamsburg, Virginia, the firm is recognized for revitalizing landmark properties through thoughtful restoration and community-driven strategies. With a portfolio that spans the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, Cornerstone combines operational excellence with innovative branding to deliver memorable guest experiences and sustainable business success.
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