Wausau committee hears shelter update: 266 unduplicated users through September; 21 housed since May

Tracy, the city’s community outreach staff member, told the City of Wausau Public Health and Safety Committee on Oct. 20 that the emergency shelter had served 266 unduplicated individuals through September and that outreach partners have helped move people into stable housing.

The report said the shelter, opened in May, has housed more than 21 people and is seeing a demographic shift: the share of female guests rose from about 25–26% earlier in the season to roughly 35% in the most recent month, and staff are seeing a “fair amount” of people aged 65 and older with mobility needs.

The shelter works with Northern Valley, North Central Community Action Program and private landlords, Tracy said, calling out Chuck and Annie Bongert, owners of the former Annabelle Apartments on Bridge Street, for providing housing opportunities. “We’ve housed over 21 people out of that shelter,” she said.

Tracy said she is meeting with partners about the Bridge Street remodel; she reported that the project had reached its capital campaign goal and is in the design phase, with contractor selection and scheduling still to come. The committee said it will monitor the handoff timeline and consider a brief extension if necessary when the new provider assumes operations.

Committee members also noted that Catholic Charities plans to reopen an emergency shelter on Nov. 1. Combined with the city-operated site, the two shelters will provide about 90 beds, the committee said. Tracy added that the city had not turned anyone away since the shelter opened.

The committee placed the outreach reports on file and scheduled follow-up on the Bridge Street remodel and shelter transition for the November meeting.