Residents urge board to scrutinize proposed Mount Hope warming shelter near Franklin Elementary

Residents raised safety and service‑delivery concerns about a proposed warming shelter at Mount Hope Lutheran Church during public comment at the West Allis‑West Milwaukee School District board meeting.

Katie Gast, a neighborhood resident, told the board she supports compassion for people experiencing homelessness but urged the district to engage fully with the city and Mount Hope Lutheran Church before any decision. "The location of this proposed shelter raises legitimate concerns because it is directly adjacent to Franklin Elementary and within close proximity to Central High School," Gast said, asking the board to "advocate for the safety of the Franklin and Central students before any decisions are finalized." She also asked that parents be kept informed of any district discussions or positions.

Cindy Radke said the proposed hours (reported to be 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.) and the site's residential setting make it a poor fit without wraparound services, transportation, or nearby public bathrooms. Radke told the board she has observed human feces and drug paraphernalia near the site and recommended locating services in a commercial area. "They have no wrap around services for them. They have no transportation once they leave there," Radke said.

Superintendent Dr. Robinson responded that district staff "have been in full communication with [the city]" and have addressed some of the concerns raised by neighborhood speakers, but he did not present a formal district position during the public‑comment period.

The comments were part of the meeting's public‑comment period; the board did not take formal action on the shelter during the session. The district indicated the superintendent may provide follow‑up at a future meeting after further coordination with city officials.