Wausau to open interim shelter May 1; city and county share costs while RFPs for longer-term operator proceed

Wausau city staff and the police department reported on April 21 that an interim homeless shelter is planned to open on May 1 in the basement of Christian United Methodist Church of Wausau while the city and Marathon County split operating costs for the remainder of the year.

Police and outreach staff said the arrangement fills an eight-month gap while longer-term shelter services are procured. Chief Barnes said the City and Marathon County will split the cost of operating the shelter through Dec. 31 and that a revised request for proposals (RFP) for shelter services has been issued; proposals are due May 30. The chief said two organizations had indicated intent to submit proposals.

City Outreach Coordinator Tracy said her team and community partners secured donations including a washer, dryer and a refrigerator and arranged volunteer support for meals and operations. Tracy reported housing eight individuals in the reporting month and noted one formerly unhoused person with stage-4 cancer who was housed and later passed away in his own apartment.

Staff said the proposed interim site offers roughly 10,000 square feet in the church basement at a nominal lease rate. For the facility to be used as a shelter the city must obtain conditional use approval from the planning commission; a public hearing is scheduled for April 29 and a decision meeting will follow the public hearing. Staff said they also are working through inspection and fire-safety requirements and aim to have necessary approvals before May 1.

The city asked faith-based organizations for volunteers to cover evening intake shifts and to provide meals; the chief said volunteers and donor support have been substantial but more help is still needed. Staff said if council action is needed after the planning commission process, the city would call a special council meeting to finalize any required authorizations.