La Crosse Winter Warming Center opens

The La Crosse Winter Warming Center will officially open its doors to area homeless tonight at First Baptist Church.

The Warming Center is a project of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of La Crosse, the La Crosse County Homeless Coalition and Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan Inc.
"We are excited for the center to open, and want to thank the La Crosse community for the generous outpouring of support for this project," said Kevin Solarte, community services professional with LSS. "Together we have trained over 150 volunteers and raised over $12,000 to make the Warming Center a reality for the La Crosse community. Area homeless who do not qualify for existing shelter services due to substance abuse issues and/or mental health issues will now have a place to stay warm during the winter months."

The La Crosse Winter Warming Center will be open from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. seven days a week, through March 31. Walk-ins are permitted from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.; after 10 p.m., hospitals, police and the Salvation Army can refer area homeless to the center. The facility can accommodate up to 15 homeless adults. The Warming Center is located within the basement of First Baptist Church, 1209 W. Main St., with the center's entrance located on the West Avenue side of the church. In the future, the Warming Center will be open during the winter months, Nov. 1 to March 31. Call (608) 797-9376 to contact the center during open hours.

The Warming Center also is still accepting donations. Donations should be mailed to Catholic Charities at P.O. Box 266 La Crosse, WI 54601. Include Winter Warming Center in the memo.

La Crosse Tribune