During a recent city council meeting, significant discussions centered on addressing homelessness and housing insecurity in Fond du Lac, particularly in relation to the 2025 budget. Community members and representatives from various agencies emphasized the urgent need for a coordinated approach to tackle these pressing issues.

Mary Keterhagen, a local advocate, highlighted the inadequacies in the current housing strategies, noting that the homeless population is often shuffled from one area to another without any real solutions being implemented. She called for the formation of a working committee that includes city officials, housing authorities, nonprofits, and representatives from the homeless community to collaboratively address the growing crisis.

Keterhagen also questioned the allocation of resources in the budget, urging council members to consider investing in programs that support the homeless rather than punitive measures that lead to incarceration. She pointed out the financial burden of incarceration on taxpayers, advocating for a shift towards constructive solutions that prioritize housing stability.

Roseanne Cowell echoed these sentiments, stressing the necessity of including budgetary provisions for planning affordable housing units. She proposed the establishment of ad hoc committees that would involve diverse stakeholders, including landlords, business leaders, and the homeless themselves, to explore various housing models and zoning changes that could facilitate the development of affordable housing.

The council members acknowledged the challenges presented by the housing study, which revealed a significant gap in affordable housing options. They discussed the importance of not only increasing the number of affordable units but also ensuring that these options are genuinely accessible to those in need.

City staff members provided insights into ongoing initiatives aimed at expanding affordable housing, but they recognized that many individuals still struggle to afford even these options. The discussion underscored the need for innovative solutions, such as a \"housing first\" approach, which prioritizes stable housing as a foundation for addressing other social issues.

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that the council faces a critical task ahead: to develop actionable goals and allocate necessary resources in the upcoming budget to effectively combat homelessness and improve housing security for all residents of Fond du Lac.