County officials say they will explore a project-management role in homelessness response; city to lead street outreach and shelter RFP

Marathon County officials told the Health and Human Services Committee on July 8 they are exploring a county project-management role to coordinate homelessness response while the city continues street outreach and shelter operations.

Supervisor Covelli said the homeless task force is developing a strategic plan to clarify responsibilities among city, county and nonprofit partners. Administrator Leonard said the county’s working hypothesis is to realign existing health-department resources so a project-management function would live in that department and focus on program management rather than direct shelter operation.

Leonard said the county’s current financial commitment to emergency shelter services runs through 2025 and was provided through contingency funding; he said long-term county funding for direct shelter operations is not the county’s intended role. He added the city will consider a request-for-proposal for emergency shelter services and that the county will continue close coordination.

Why it matters: supervisors and staff said a clear division of responsibilities — county project management and city street outreach and shelter operation — would align resources, avoid duplication and clarify where nonprofits fit. Leonard emphasized the county’s interest in meeting this need without additional levy if possible, though he did not guarantee no levy would be necessary.

Other details: county staff said they will circulate volunteer dates and opportunities tied to the shelter. A Veterans Administration surge event was also announced: the VA will lead a regional outreach for unhoused veterans in Marathon, Portage and Wood counties and coordinate with local partners on voucher placements and relocation offers where vouchers are available in other counties.