commUNITY of Resilience

Southwest Louisiana Coming Together

With Hurricanes Laura and Delta coming ashore back-to-back, we have seen the community band together with the help of outside volunteer agencies, governmental assistance workers, elected officials, spiritual organizations, and community leaders. The video showcases the resilience of Southwest Louisiana’s citizens who put community above self in the wake of these storms.

Please help spread the message of rebuilding SWLA!

Looking to Help?

If you would like to be involved or help in any way, United Way of Southwest Louisiana and the Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana are great places to donate funds or volunteer time. In addition, the arts – especially the performing arts – were impacted not only by the storms but also be restrictions and safety precautions brought by COVID. To learn more about supporting the arts, visit the website of the Arts Council of Southwest Louisiana.

**Find volunteer opportunities at www.visitlakecharles.org/volunteer

Donate to United Way

Donate to Community Foundation

Support the Arts Community

Support Local Businesses

Many of the attractions and businesses in the area were impacted by the Hurricanes, and the team at Visit Lake Charles is working with partners across Southwest Louisiana to identify businesses that are reopening.

See Whats Open

Volunteer Here or There

This year has been a challenge for everyone across the nation and world. There are many organizations in local communities that are suffering due to a lack of volunteers, funding, or resources. Thank you for learning about our story and community of unity in the face of adversity. If you are not from the Lake Charles area, we hope you can visit soon to experience our hospitality. We also encourage you to help your local community not only to foster the spirit of unity where you live but also to increase the connectivity that comes along with volunteering and lifting up one another.

If you have a community relief or volunteer event you would like featured, submit it here.

Volunteer & Relief Events

Mar 16

Battle for the Paddle Cook-off

Lake Charles Civic Center

United Way of Southwest Louisiana’s Jambalaya & Pastalaya Cook-Off, Battle for the Paddle, will be a wee bit o’ fun for the second year with two competition divisions, a kids zone, live music by LA ROXX and, of course, green beer. The St. Patrick’s Day-themed event will also…

Share your #rebuildSWLA Story

Upload photos and share your inspirational story of rebuilding SWLA. Upload Here.

PLAYList eNewsletter Subscribe for details about upcoming events, stories, deals & more.

Inspiration Guide View and request the official Southwest Louisiana travel guide.