Homeless get a helping hand for the holidays - KNOE 8 News; KNOE-TV; KNOE.com |

WEST MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Every night in North East Louisiana, over 250 people struggle to find a place to lay their head. At one point, Glen White was one of them.  "I've been there before, I was a drug addict, alcoholic I lived on the streets. I've been without food," said White.

Now White works with Living Way Church and dedicates his life to helping others in bad situations. "That's why I want to help, I know what its like," said White. Each Monday, he can be seen with his church whipping up hot meals for those in need.

Thanks to a chance meeting with Glenda Starr, more doors opened to help him serve others. "I was at a homeless coalition meeting and ironically we were sitting next to each other," said Glenda Starr who works with Primary Health Services Center.

She suggested, in addition to the meals providing medical services to the homeless with their mobile clinic.  An idea CEO Catherine Tonore immediately put into action. "Our heart and our passion is definitely the homeless," said Tonore.

Now the center has launched a project called "Holiday Cheer for the Homeless" Nearly 100 blankets have been collected to bring warmth to those stranded in the cold. "Once you see people coming from under the bridge, you see barefoot children and people in need, you want to share," said Starr.

Next the clinic will collect jackets, gloves, and scarves to hand out for Christmas. The initiative has touched White's heart, who felt emotional seeing the room full of blankets.  "To be honest when I walked in I almost, I took a big gulp, you can change your life around, sometimes you just need a hand to help" said White.

As for the mobile clinic, it will still aid the homeless each Monday long after the holidays have passed. If you want to donate you can drop them off at the Primary Health Services clinic at 2913 Desiard Street in Monroe.