Joint Wausau–Marathon County task force outlines homelessness gaps, opens interim shelter

A joint Marathon County–City of Wausau Homelessness Task Force presented a report May 19 and outlined short‑ and long‑term steps to address unhoused residents, while the city and county also opened an interim shelter to cover a gap until a permanent provider is selected.

The task force’s report, delivered to the Wausau Common Council and the Marathon County Board of Supervisors, recommended a coordinated, countywide approach to move people into stable housing and directed the county administrator to work with Wausau city staff on an actionable plan by the end of the first quarter of 2026. Ron Covelli, chair of the task force, told both bodies the work showed “homelessness is a very complex issue with many layers.”

Task force members and presenters framed the report around three near‑term outcomes: stabilize shelter capacity, inventory and coordinate existing services, and complete a targeted gap analysis to match services to needs. The city opened a short‑term gap‑filling shelter, the Wausau Marathon County (WMC) shelter, on May 1. Chief Matt Barnes of the Wausau Police Department said the facility, located in the basement of First United Methodist Church at 903 Third Avenue, has been staffed by city employees and community volunteers: “If it weren’t for organizations, businesses, and the community, this wouldn’t be possible,” Barnes said.

Barnes gave operational details: the shelter is set up to receive guests beginning at 6 p.m.; guests are asked to leave by 8 a.m. The shelter has…