WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — Wausau Mayor Doug Diny says operations at the city’s temporary overnight shelter located in the basement of First United Methodist Church have been smooth.
Diny spent time helping with registration and other check-in operations during the first few days at the shelter. “I’m extremely impressed with the Police Department for standing this up and the volunteers that we’ve gotten. Just the administrative part; getting people checked in and settled in takes bodies, and the more people we can get to take a shift, the better.”
The facility houses up to 50 people per night from 6 PM to 8 AM the next day. Diny says those who check in get a cot and pillow for the night, plus a hot meal and an alarm clock if they need it. He says for those using the facility, the meal and a good night’s rest can make a difference.
“Some of these people have jobs, quite a few in fact. Having a good night’s rest gets you on a better path to get out of the homeless track. Rather than coming in to work and jepoardizing your employment because you aren’t properly rested and ready to go,” said Diny.
He says the temporary setup will allow the city to find an outside partner to take over the operations permanently. City leaders issued a request for proposals for operators earlier this year, but didn’t receive any. That led the Police Department to plan the facility in a matter of weeks. The city has since issued another RFP, and Diny hopes more lead time will make a difference the second time around.
Those who would like to volunteer at the facility should contact the Wausau PD for more information. Diny says the city is also allowing employees and Alders to take shifts at the facility.
Other topics Diny discussed with WSAU’s Mike Leischner include:
Start of video: New housing projects
7:00- First week of operations at the temporary shelter
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