Olive House
Celebrating 20 Years!
On July 20, 2026, IRC celebrated Olive House and its 20 years of service to our community, with a reception. See the local media coverage by clicking on a source below!
See page 13!
Olive House is in the Historic Ellington-Mayflower Warehouse,
completely renovated with 20 furnished efficiency apartments
Amenities
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Onsite laundry facility
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Courtyard and barbeque area
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Community room with TV and social area for group games.
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Day porch overlooking courtyard with rocking chairs
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Computers available for resident use
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Conference area for group meetings
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Easy access to public transportation
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Outreach and referral services available from numerous non-profit community agencies
Who does Olive House serve?
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Previously homeless individuals who are leaving shelters or transitional/rehabilitation facilities whose stay was less than 90 days.
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Previously homeless individuals who are recovering from substance abuse (and have been sober for more than three months), mentally ill and dually diagnosed.
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All residents are referrals from shelters, transitional housing, Volunteers of America and the Veterans Administration Hospital.
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Individuals who have been through extensive rehabilitation for substance abuse or other disabilities and have been declared “Ready for Independent Living”.
How does Olive House help?
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The Olive House is a safe place to recover by providing an environment that helps people rejoin the community engaging with others performing daily tasks and activities that are helpful in developing skill sets, experience, knowledge and performance, and new habits. through communal daily living.
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The Olive House may a permanent place to live. Residents are welcome to stay until they are ready to move on.
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The Olive House helps those recovering to rejoin the community and give the residents an opportunity to love independently perhaps for the first time, in a supportive and caring environment, with community and friends.
Sister Olive Bordelon, CCVI (1948-2013)
Sister Olive was born in Morganza, Louisiana and in 1967 entered the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word in Houston, TX. She made her Perpetual Professional of Vows in 1974 and began a lifetime of service. Beginning in 1970, Sr Olive ministered at many hospitals throughout Louisiana and the country. In 1990, she was missioned to St. Francis Cabrini Hospital in Alexandria, LA, serving in administration for 5 years. In 1995 she became the hospital’s President/CEO where her tenure lasted 3 years until she was missioned to Houston, TX. It was during her time in Alexandria that she founded Olive House.
