LAKE CHARLES — The United Way of Southwest Louisiana secured hotel rooms for hurricane victims and the homeless as the threat of below-average winter temperatures became known.
According to Friday’s press release, the nonprofit’s 211 resource line registered nearly 700 individual families in need of a warm spot for the incoming frigid weather.
“We are hosting 634 people at nine local hotels tonight,” said Denise Durel, President and CEO of United Way of Southwest Louisiana. “I am distraught over the 434 parishioners who have asked for a room and we have not been able to meet the need.”
United Way of Southwest Louisiana offers breakfast, snacks and some lunches, while partners take care of the rest, they say.
The Catholic charities SWLA and AETNA Better Health of La also offer meals to guests.
The Louisiana National Guard makes bottled water available to guests at several locations.
United Way of Southwest Louisiana says as part of its relief effort, it has provided rooms to Water’s Edge for its homeless program.
“We are aware of the many people who need help during these winter storms,” says Durel. “Our mission is long-term impact, but we always act quickly in emergencies to ensure no one suffers. We also hope that we can help some of these individuals with the root cause of their homelessness and move them forward in their lives.”
As of Thursday night, the team provided 455 people with rooms in seven hotels, but a gift from St. Michael and All Angel’s Episcopal Church increased that number to 634 people in nine area hotels or motels.
To help United Way of Southwest Louisiana accommodate local community members during the harsh winter weather conditions, text the keyword WINTER to 40403 or online at unitedwayswla.org/winter.
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