CITY OF ALEXANDRIA PARTNERS AUTHORIZE WARMING STATION ACTIVITIES
In response to dangerous cold weather forecasted for next week, the City of Alexandria and numerous community partners participated in a meeting Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at the American Red Cross, facilitated by Angie Branton and her team from the 911 Communications District/Rapides Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. Mayor Jacques Roy and Ms. Branton led discussions and the planning of logistics for the upcoming weather challenges.
All community partners and faith-based organizations involved worked efficiently and with commitment to provide protection during this extreme weather event and the related consequences of housing dislocation, homelessness, or other disconnection from living necessities and basic human needs of warmth, shelter, and sustenance.
The collaboration designated the Warming Station at the Bolton Avenue Community Center, located at 315 Bolton Avenue will be operational from 6 PM Sunday, January 19, 2025, until Thursday, January 23, 2025, coinciding with the expected rise in temperatures. Deactivation times are subject to change based on the updated National Weather Service forecast.
Equipped with cots, blankets, and Meals Ready-to-Eat (MREs), the facility aims to offer a safe space for individuals seeking shelter from the harsh weather conditions. Louisiana Baptist Convention and the Manna House will provide additional meals.
It is important to note that the Warming Station is not equipped to accommodate pets or individuals with special medical needs. Visitors to the facility are required to be ambulatory and able to care for themselves.
The City is coordinating with other agencies to monitor, plan, set up, and have ready additional stations as needs dictate, using its Bolton Avenue warming station as the model.
The United Way of Central Louisiana will act as the official, single point of contact to route information among the partners through official updates via its 211 communications.
The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office is backing up operations and logistics as needed, providing invaluable additional support. The City of Pineville likewise was present and is participating to aid in security and assistance, working through the police chief, Chief of Staff Basco, and Mayor Joe Bishop.
The City of Alexandria would like to thank all partners committed to providing support and resources during this upcoming cold weather event: American Red Cross, C.L.A.S.S., The Central Louisiana Homeless Coalition, the 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, the Chamber of Commerce, Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, Rapides 911/OEP, Pineville Police Department, and Cenla Weather.
