Fire on Columbia Highlights Squatter Issues in Highland: HNA Calls for Community Action

Photo courtesy of JK Jaura

The 400 block of Columbia Street in Shreveport's Highland neighborhood made headlines again this week as a fire broke out in a home that has been at the center of ongoing squatter problems. This incident is not the first at the property, which has drawn complaints from residents concerned about safety and the neighborhood’s future.

Charlotte Russell, the incoming president of the Highland Neighborhood Association (HNA), took to social media to address the situation, highlighting the association’s proactive approach to tackling these recurring issues.

A Neighborhood Under Threat

Russell’s post shed light on the challenges of dealing with squatters and their potentially hazardous activities. "If these issues aren’t called in, [authorities] can’t do anything about it," Russell explained, emphasizing the importance of reporting suspicious activity. She also detailed steps property owners can take to protect their vacant homes, such as registering "no trespassing" signs and working with authorities to enforce trespassing laws.

Additionally, she noted that while the Shreveport Police Department (SPD) may not always be able to arrest individuals for trespassing, they can often take action on outstanding warrants.

“Squatters and their fires are absolutely a danger to our neighborhood,” Russell stated. “There is no fast, easy solution. It’s maddening, but we would LOVE for everyone who is concerned to join forces with the HNA to build our neighborhood up and protect it from these kinds of dangers.”

Squatters Task Force in Action

The HNA has already taken steps to address the issue through its Squatters Task Force Committee. In May, the association hosted a public meeting that brought together representatives from the Shreveport Fire Department (SFD), SPD (including the chief of police), and a local attorney to discuss solutions and educate residents about their rights and responsibilities. Representatives from Property Standards and SPD's Community Policing Office were also in attendance, providing valuable insights and support.

One of the committee's goals is to encourage property owners to take an active role in securing their properties. “It’s much easier to handle if you know the owner and the owner complains,” Russell explained.

A Call to Action

The HNA is calling on concerned residents to get involved. The next members' meeting is scheduled for this Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at Noel Memorial United Methodist Church on Herndon Street. New members are welcome to join at the meeting or online at HighlandSHV.org.

Russell’s message is clear: community action is the most effective way to combat these issues and protect Highland’s unique charm. By working together, residents can help ensure their neighborhood remains a safe and vibrant place to live.

How You Can Help

If you’re a Highland resident or simply passionate about neighborhood revitalization, consider joining the HNA to support efforts like the Squatters Task Force. Reporting suspicious activity, reaching out to property owners, and attending community meetings are just a few ways to make a difference.

As Russell put it, “Building our neighborhood up requires all of us. Let’s work together to protect what makes Highland special.”