ALEXANDRIA, La. (1/16/2025) – The City of Alexandria has announced the operation of a warming center at the Bolton Avenue Community Center to provide shelter during the severe cold weather forecasted for next week.
Community partners, clergy, and leaders from multiple organizations met on January 14, 2025, to finalize plans for the upcoming cold front. The warming center, located at 315 Bolton Avenue, will open at 6 PM on Sunday, January 19, 2025, and remain operational until Thursday, January 23, 2025, with deactivation times subject to weather updates.
The center is equipped with cots, blankets, and Meals Ready-to-Eat (MREs) to offer a safe space for those in need. The Louisiana Baptist Convention and Manna House will provide additional meals. The facility, however, cannot accommodate pets or individuals with special medical needs. Visitors must be ambulatory and able to care for themselves.
The United Way of Central Louisiana will act as the primary point of contact, coordinating communication among all partners through its 211 service. Additional agencies, including the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office and the City of Pineville, will provide logistical support and assistance as required.
The City expressed gratitude to the following organizations for their efforts:
- American Red Cross
- C.L.A.S.S.
- Central Louisiana Homeless Coalition
- Louisiana Baptist Convention
- Manna House
- United Way of Central Louisiana
- CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini
- Hope House
- U.E.M.B.A.
- Emmanuel Baptist Church
- Newman United Methodist Church
- Global Impact
- Mt. Zion Baptist Church
- St. James Episcopal Church
- Calvary Baptist Church
- St. Matthew Baptist Church
- Chamber of Commerce
- Rapides 911/OEP
- Pineville Police Department
Despite the collective efforts of these organizations, the Salvation Army’s absence from this initiative has drawn concern from community organizations, clergy, and members of the general public. Unlike its counterparts in other regions, which often take active roles in times of crisis, the Salvation Army has not participated in this effort. This has led to questions about its commitment to addressing urgent needs during critical moments.
The City of Alexandria and its partners remain steadfast in their mission to ensure warmth, shelter, and sustenance for those in need during this extreme weather event.
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