The La Crosse Warming Center’s mission is to work with the greater La Crosse community to better serve those experiencing homelessness with dignity and respect by providing a safe and warm place for homeless adults 18 years and older to get in out of the cold during the winter months from November 1 until May 1. The Warming Center is located downtown at 413 South Third Street in La Crosse. Guests are able to take a shower and wash their clothes. Hours for the center are from 7:00 pm until 8:00 am, Monday through Sunday, including holidays. The center offers open intake from 7:00 pm until 8:30 pm each night. After 9:00 pm the police, hospitals or Salvation Army can refer guests. The center does allow those individuals who are currently suffering from mental health and/or addictions to enter the facility as long as they are acting in a calm and respectful manner. To keep the doors open, hundreds of volunteers from area churches and the community are needed to staff the center.
Interested in Volunteering?
In-Kind Donations
ALL In-Kind donations are being accepted at the Catholic Charities Office Building (508 South 5th Avenue - downtown La Crosse) on Mondays - Thursdays from 9 am to 4 pm. Staff and volunteers will be available to assist you. If these times are not convenient for you, please contact Karla at 608-519-8060 or Shannon at 608-519-8011 to set up a more convenient drop off time. Items donated at 508 South 5th Ave. will be transferred to the Warming Center as needed.
Warming Center and Guest Needs
*We appreciate your support given to the Warming Center and our guests! Below is our list of needs, however, please remember monetary donations are vital to keep our Warming Center open. Make a monetary donation today!
Sugar
Cereal
Ramen To Go Cups
CHEWY Granola Bars
Breakfast Items To Go
Juice or Juice Mix
Laundry Soap
Dish Soap
Shower Towels (Gently Used or New)
Any Cleaning Products
Paper Towels
Hand Warmers
Chapstick/Lip Balm
Disposable Razors
Deodorant
Shampoo 20 oz or Larger
Conditioner 20 oz or Larger
Body Wash Shampoo 20 oz or Larger
Winterized Gloves
New Underwear M/F
Long Johns (Adult Size)
Duffle Bags and Book Bags
Men's Clothing Size 2X or Larger
Men's Work Boots Size 10 and Up
Extreme Weather Procedure
Throughout the winter months, many of our service areas where we provide outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness will be under extreme cold weather conditions. As we anticipate extreme cold temperatures, we will implement our Extreme Weather Procedures at all Catholic Charities Community Homeless Facilities.
When temperatures between 7 pm and 8 am are anticipated to drop at or below 15 degrees Fahrenheit, Catholic Charities Community Homeless Facilities will open their doors to an overflow capacity. These facilities will also lift temporary bans allowing community members to get out of the freezing temperatures.
During this time, we want to continue offering a safe, warm place for men and women to get out of the elements. Please pray for those we serve and our staff during this extreme weather!