Marathon County panel extends homelessness task force and recommends county match of Wausau shelter funds

The Marathon County Health & Human Services Committee voted to extend the charter for the joint City of Wausau–Marathon County Homeless Task Force through April 1, 2025, and approved a recommendation that the county match or exceed the City of Wausau’s recent funding commitment for year‑round emergency shelter.

The task force, composed of city and county representatives and community partners, has tracked local homelessness and recommended both near‑term and longer‑term actions. Committee members stressed the immediate risk that shelter capacity will lapse in April if funding and operational plans are not in place.

Task force members and county staff told the committee that an estimated “over 200 people and families” are currently experiencing homelessness in Marathon County, including many who are not visible on the street because they are couch‑surfing or staying in vehicles. Chief Matt Barnes, Wausau police chief and a task force member, described current shelter capacity: “The current capacity of the Catholic Charity Shelter is 30 beds per…