Closing Thoughts on 2012-2013 Season:
At 7:00 am on Monday, April 1, the last of the guests and volunteers left the Warming Center to close out the winter season. We were open 151 nights, including weekends and holidays, and provided over 2,100 shelter nights to our guests. When the doors opened every evening, guests were met by welcoming volunteers and found a place of warmth and hospitality. We cannot say thank you enough to the individuals, churches, the La Crosse Police Department, businesses, and organizations of La Crosse and the surrounding area who gave of their time and resources. Without this support, the Warming Center would not have been open and available as a resource to the many homeless men and women needing shelter. Final numbers are being calculated, and we are already planning for next year. Watch our website for volunteer trainings and sign-up nights for both new and current volunteers coming in October.
The Warming Center is a special place and I feel blessed to live in a community that helps those less fortunate. The guests at the Warming Center were always aware that the people checking them in, providing the meals, or sitting with them every night were volunteers. They were very grateful, I am very grateful, and I thank you on their behalf.
Mary Fitzpatrick
La Crosse Warming Center |
