Lake Charles Salvation Army Shelter Celebrates Grand Reopening

It's been a long time coming since the Lake Charles Salvation Army building was devastated by Hurricane Laura four years ago. Like everyone else in SWLA, they help people rebuild after emergency services are no longer needed in the community.

It was at that time that they switched gears and started focusing on a new building. the Salvation Army is finally gearing up to celebrate its grand reopening. The vital emergency housing shelter located at 3020 Legion St in Lake Charles will host a special reopening dedication ceremony on May 21, 2024, at 10 a.m.

This is the perfect time for the public to stop by and tour the new facility.  Lt. Rosyln Morrison, Corps Officer for The Lake Charles Salvation Army said of the re-grand opening,

"We are so excited to be re-opening our doors," Morrison continued. "After the damage we sustained from Hurricane Laura, it is a blessing to offer our vital services again."

The new shelter is bigger and has two wings, one for men and the other for women. On the men's side, there are 42 beds, with another 14 will be designated for veterans. On the women's side, there are four beds and two additional units with four beds in each for mothers with minor children. Lt. Morrison said, "This shelter will offer a vital resource to individuals who need assistance and have nowhere to go," Morrison continued. "The Salvation Army is seeking to help move men and women from homelessness to wholeness by offering an effective strategy all under one campus. We believe this facility will assist us in better serving the needs of many homeless people."

Residents at the shelter will receive two meals daily, and the community will be offered a dinner meal at 5 pm. Coming soon, the Salvation Army Shelter will begin offering educational life skills classes. This will serve as a great benefit for those trying to rebuild their lives. These classes will be on everything from teaching cooking skills and learning how to construct a resume to building to financial management. Lt. Morrison said they want to be more than a shelter saying, "We want every person to find a supportive and nurturing environment when they come to our campus." She added "More than anything, we want it to be a safe place where people can thrive."

I don't think it's hard to see that homelessness has skyrocketed over the last ten years for sure. SWLA was not a place where homelessness was to the point where we could see it. However, today it is very much an issue in Calcasieu Parish to the point that we can see people in the streets every day, everywhere. So, shelters like the Salvation Army not only can offer folks that are dealing with homelessness a safe haven for shelter and food but also resources and soon educational life skills they will need to sustain living on their own once back on their feet.

According to a recent report by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, report homelessness is on the rise across the nation. Economic hardships are the driving forces. Folks can't keep up with the rising costs of living, housing costs, utilities, and the price of food and daycare for that matter. All things end ba

"There is a tremendous need in this community, and we know that The Salvation Army will continue to serve and minister in the name of Jesus to everyone who comes our way." Lt. Morrison said. "We would love for the community to come to our re-opening dedication and see our great work."

The reopening dedication ceremony is scheduled at 10 am on May 21st don't miss it. The public is welcome to attend and tour the new building. By the way, they are also taking non-perishable FYI, the shelter will be accepting non-perishable food items so, please stop by and donate.

For more info about the new programs now being offered at The Salvation Army of Lake Charles, please contact Lt. Roslyn Morrison at Roslyn.Morrison@uss.salvationarmy.org or call (337)721-8068 for details.