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Sojourner House announces potential move to seasonal operations citing $400,000 annual shortfall
Summary
Staff reported Catholic Charities’ Sojourner House is planning to move to a seasonal model for shelter operations because of financial constraints, creating a potential service gap during summer months.
City staff told the Housing Opportunities Commission on March 12 that Sojourner House, the local shelter operated by Catholic Charities, plans to move to seasonal operations because of funding shortfalls that staff said total approximately $400,000 annually.
At a staff update, the presenter said Sojourner House informed staff of the plan and a press release was issued the same day. The facility would operate part of the year and be closed to guest services for the May–November period under the plan staff described; staff emphasized the move was driven by operating shortfalls and that other communities (Wausau, La Crosse) also operate shelters seasonally.
"Their gap is $400,000 in operational expense to be covered annually," staff said. They added Catholic Charities notified shelter staff the night before and issued the public notice the following morning.
Why it matters: Commissioners and staff said the change would likely affect citations and enforcement for people camping and raise service needs in summer months. Commissioners said local parishes and communities were discussing options and that efforts were ongoing to explore ways to prevent a full seasonal closure.
Next steps: Staff said they will continue to meet with Catholic Charities and community partners to evaluate options and assess impacts; commissioners flagged the topic for follow‑up at the next meeting.
