Catholic Charities protects human dignity with warming centers and shelters throughout the year
Sojourner House – Eau Claire
The Sojourner House opened its doors on Nov. 1, 2011. It is a safe haven for single adult men and women, offering a safe, clean place, regardless of what their ambitions or hopes are. Guests can sleep overnight, shower, wash their clothes and eat breakfast, while ensuring their personal dignity, respect and safety. Sojourner House is open year-round from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m. We can provide sleeping arrangements for up to 32 men and 16 women (capacity of 48). In order to receive sleeping facilities, laundry and shower privileges, guests must have a 0.0 alcohol level. However, we also have space for up to four additional guests in a special recliner facility, helping these guests to get out of the elements and into a safe environment. Everyone is accepted into the shelter, unless they are presenting with unruly or boisterous behavior. A safe environment is maintained. No substances or weapons will be permitted on the premises. A core staff is employed by Catholic Charities, with a large supplement of volunteers for support! We operate on a first come, first served basis. All are welcome!
Warming Center–Wausau
Catholic Charities operates the warming center and works with United Way and other community organizations to ensure success. The Community Warming Center is an action step of the Wausau Housing and Homelessness Coalition, an initiative of United Way that exists to collaboratively raise community awareness to end homelessness by maximizing and strengthening existing resources; developing new, relevant solutions; and creating a seamless delivery of services to end homelessness in Marathon County. The warming center provides a clean, warm and safe environment for up to 25 adult men and women. We accept and encourage guests’ ambitions or hopes, provide a nightly hot meal to our guests and ensure each guest’s personal dignity, safety and respect.
Warming Center–La Crosse
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, Nov. 1 to April 30. The new space for the Warming Center will be at 413 S. Third St. in La Crosse and will be able to accommodate up to 34 guests. Guests will now be able to take a shower and wash their clothes. Hours for the new center will be from 7 p.m. until 8 a.m., Monday through Sunday, including holidays. The center offers open intake from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. each night. After 9 p.m., 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.
To volunteer at any of the shelters and warming centers this winter or throughout the year, or to learn more about other services provided by Catholic Charities, visit cclse.org or call 888.212.4357.