GREEN BAY, (WTAQ-WLUK) – A men’s homeless shelter is trying to reopen in a new location, seven months after closing in downtown Green Bay.
The Transformation House operated a 30-bed facility on South Jefferson Street for six years before shutting its doors last May.
There are 46 beds are proposed for the new shelter, in the former Santa Maria Nursing Home building on South Clay Street. It’s one block north of St. Paul Lutheran Church and School.
Pastor Manuelus Reacco tells FOX 11 the Transformation House is a step above a homeless shelter.
It is for men older than 18 years old. No drugs or alcohol are allowed.
A legitimate income is required after a week and the guests must pay an $85 weekly fee.
Background checks are done, but Reacco says if all other requirements are met, only registered sex offenders are turned away.
“We try to connect to different agencies like Catholic charities and other facilities that help them with their budgeting and we encourage them to do their GED.”
Reacco says in its six-year run on Jefferson Street, Transformation House helped more than 680 men with an 80 percent success rate in transitioning to independent living.
“We show a lot of love to these guys,” said Reacco.
City staff is recommending approval for Transformation House’s conditional use permit.
However, the city has received two inquiries of concern, including one from retired police officer Larry Gille.
“There is an elementary school there, which I don’t know if drug addicts, alcoholics, and homelessness is a good mix with that.”
“The Jefferson building had some concerns about the neighbors also,” said Reacco. “About six months later, the lady came over and said ‘wow I apologize for that.”
While the Transformation House will assist up to 46 men a night, Reacco says there is room for 100 beds. He says he’d like to eventually expand, offering more services like a traditional homeless shelter.
“They wouldn’t have to pay and it would be brief, an overnight type of deal.”
While that is for down the road, Reacco hopes to have the current 46 beds filled as soon as a permit is granted.
The city’s plan commission will first discuss the Transformation House proposal at its meeting next Monday.
