La Crosse fortunate to have warming center

Homelessness remains a problem in La Crosse. But much is being done in our community to put an end to the problem. Already, the La Crosse Collaborative to end Homelessness has been successful in finding housing for 15 military veterans who had been living on the streets, or otherwise lacked permanent housing. The group is now working to secure affordable housing for 10 local families. And starting today, the La Crosse Warming Center opens for the season. The wind is suddenly blowing colder, but La Crosse Catholic Charities has worked hard to ensure a warm place to sleep for the less fortunate in our community. We are fortunate to have such a facility. They can house up to 40 people per night, and often operate at capacity. They provide not only warmth and shelter, but also shower and laundry facilities, and even haircuts. It will remain open as long as the weather dictates, through the end of April. And as long as patrons are well behaved, they don’t turn away those suffering from mental health or addiction issues. This facility allows those who are struggling to serve those experiencing homelessness with dignity and respect. We are fortunate to have agencies such as these, and their many volunteers, working so hard to do something to ensure all members of our community have their basic needs met.