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Warming Centers Opened in Lake Charles and Sulphur Ahead of Frigid Temperatures Expected Beginning Thursday Night

Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana – With the low temperatures expected to begin on Thursday, December 22, warming centers have been announced in both Lake Charles and Sulphur.

Warming Center in Lake Charles

The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury and the City of Lake Charles will open a warming station for people experiencing homelessness beginning Thursday, December 22, 2022, at 1 p.m. at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center, 2009 North Simmons, Lake Charles.

At the time this was published on December 22, 2022, the warming station was scheduled to close on the morning of Monday, December 26.

United Way of Southwest Louisiana and Catholic Charities of Southwest Louisiana are also providing assistance in this effort.

Both Parish and City transit buses will transport homeless residents using the following schedule:

• Thursday, December 22, and Friday, December 23.
• Inside the City of Lake Charles: go to any City bus stop during regular hours of operation, 5:45 a.m. – 5:45 p.m., for transportation to the warming station.
• Outside of the City of Lake Charles: between the hours of 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., dial 211 for assistance.
  Saturday, December 24, and Sunday, December 25
• Dial 211, between the hours of 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., for transportation assistance. This service is available only for those experiencing homelessness and in need of transportation to the warming station.
  The City of Lake Charles and Calcasieu Parish Transit will also provide transportation assistance on Monday, December 26, once the warming station closes.The following rules will be enforced:
• Residents will be asked to present identification upon arriving or, if they do not have identification, will be photographed for security purposes. Residents must pass security screening when entering and re-entering, including metal detection.
• No weapons, illegal drugs or alcohol will be allowed.
• No animals allowed.
• No children will be housed at the warming station. Families with children should call 211 for assistance in obtaining shelter during the freezing event.
• Special needs residents in need of assistance should also call 211.

The City of Lake Charles and CPPJ indicated that thanks to the generosity already extended by several charities and faith-based organizations, additional donations will not be accepted at the warming station site.

Warming Center in Sulphur

Sulphur Christian Community Coalition – SC3 announced that as extended freezing temperatures move in, they are preparing the warming center. Starting Thursday evening they will open their doors at 6:00 PM.

SC3 indicated that the warming center is not a shelter, and it will be open from 6:00 PM to 7:00 AM.

SC3 is located at 501 East Burton Street in Sulphur.

As of December 22, 2022, Sulphur Christian Community Coalition – SC3 is accepting donations for their Warming Center.

Donations can be dropped off on December 22, 23, and 24, 2022, from 6 pm to 8 pm at 501 East Burton Street in Sulphur.

The following are items they are in need of:

• Coffee and supplies
• Breakfast snacks
• Coffee & Hot Chocolate
• Can Drinks
• Paper products (Paper Towels, Toilet Paper, Styrofoam Cups, etc)
• 3 Compartment Food Containers
• Plastic Forks & Spoons
• Towels & Washcloths
• Washing Powder
• Hygiene Items (Deodorant, Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Shampoo, Body Wash)
• Pop-Top/To-Go Snack Foods
• Socks, Underwear & Undershirts
• Backpacks
• Small Tents
• Cleaning Supplies
• Diapers & Wipes
• Reading Glasses
• First Aid Items
• Small blankets and pillows

Those who would prefer to make a monetary donation can use the following information:

You can Text
“GIVESC3”
To 44321
or VENMO
@sulphurccc

More details will be shared as they are available.

For general information about critical health and human services in Louisiana, dial 211.

In the event of an emergency, dial 911.

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