Thankfully, La Crosse warming center open for business

It is getting to be that time of year that even when the days are mild, there is a chill in the evening air. Many of us are barely inconvenienced by the brisk weather, able to simply turn up the heat a bit. But that is not the case for La Crosse’s homeless population. That is why La Crosse is so fortunate to have people willing to help those who struggle in the cold weather. The Warming Center, operated by La Crosse’s Catholic Charities, has now opened for the season to provide a place where those in need of shelter can gather when the winds blow cold. The shelter has been available for several years, but continues to grow. Formerly housed in a local church, where people would line up outside for several hours to secure a spot, the Warming Center can now accommodate more than 30 people, and offers a warm bed, hot shower, and laundry facilities. There is no charge for people to stay there, and unless they are causing trouble, no one is turned away, even if they suffer from mental health issues or addiction. Turns out they get just as cold as everyone else. These people are treated with dignity and respect as they are given a helping hand. La Crosse is fortunate to be blessed with the volunteers who operate this valuable program, to make sure that everyone makes it through another Wisconsin winter.