Homeless for the Holidays

Homeless for the Holidays

Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s...for many of us these are joyous times spent with family and friends. But for some in our community, the holidays bring uncertainty. At our La Crosse Warming Center, hundreds of people will spend this holiday season with us seeking warmth, safety, and hope.

Take Gerry, born and raised in Holmen. Gerry loved the outdoors but never imagined he would be living there. Ongoing mental health struggles made it hard for him to keep a job, eventually leading him to our La Crosse Warming Center. While staying with us, Gerry saw a flyer for local mental health services for low-income individuals. After encouragement from our staff, he connected with a mental health professional, started medication, and now feels more at peace. Gerry is actively looking for a job and hopes to have a place of his own by the next holiday season.

Stories like Gerry’s are not uncommon. This year, hundreds of people in the greater La Crosse area have been transformed by our services. However, as needs grow, so do our costs. Will you help us continue this vital work during our Homeless for the Holidays campaign? Whether through an increased donation or prayers for our ministry, your support will bring hope to those in need.

From all of us at Catholic Charities, we wish you peace and joy this holiday season.

La Crosse Warming Center 

Overnight Volunteers: Our most significant need for volunteers is on overnight shifts from 9:00 pm – 3:00 am and 3:00 am – 8:00 am. These can be combined into one 9:00 pm – 8:00 am shift as well. The nights that need the most help are Mondays, Wednesdays, 2nd and 4th Thursdays, and Fridays. We need 2-3 people in the Warming Center for the whole night. Learn More>