Lake Charles, Louisiana - On November 15, 2023, the Southwest Louisiana Continuum of Care is organizing an event called "Let's Talk: The State of Homelessness in Southwest Louisiana" to raise awareness about homelessness and hunger in the region. The event will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, November 21 at the Pryce Miller Recreation Center, located at 216 Albert St., Lake Charles.

“It’s important that we recognize combating homelessness in our community is not just meeting the housing needs of our unhoused population,” said Erika Doshier, Calcasieu Parish Police Jury Human Services Department Programs Manager. “We must work to address all the barriers in an individual’s life to ensure their success at housing stability. It’s equally important to educate the community about the efforts being made to address the needs of our unhoused population.”

The committee members will participate in a community panel discussion at 10:30 a.m. during the event, where local stakeholders will talk about their efforts to address the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness in the area. The panel discussion is open to everyone. From noon onwards, individuals who are homeless can take advantage of a resource fair, haircutting station, and shower station. Lunch will also be served.

The Southwest Louisiana Continuum of Care comprises non-profit organizations, mission-based groups, and government agencies collaborating to tackle homelessness and hunger in our community.