Charlie Collins, 47, takes a drag of his cigarette as he waits with other homeless men and women for the doors of the The Well to open Tuesday evening on Olivier St. in Lafayette. The Outreach Center, normally only open for day use, was made available as a shelter from freezing temperatures overnight.



The Well is a part of The Acadiana Outreach Center in downtown Lafayette. The Well has traditionally been used as a day shelter for homeless men and women. They could come use showers and restroom facilities as well as get a meal but beyond that there was no more help. No direction just providing the most basic needs. In the Spring The Well will close for good and reopen as a center to help treat substance abuse and mental illness. To read the rest of the story click this link THE DAILY ADVERTISER

I was assigned to go to The Well on a night when they would open as an overnight shelter because of freezing temperatures.

Homeless men and women line-up outside of The Well Tuesday evening on Olivier St. in Lafayette.


Eddie Groom, 45, holds the tent where he normally sleeps as he stands in line with other homeless men and women to check in at The Well.


Homeless men and women claim their sleeping bags inside The Well in Lafayette. The Outreach Center, normally only open for day use, was made available as a shelter from freezing temperatures overnight.