GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Green Bay’s city council approved a trial homeless support program at St. John’s Park Tuesday night.
St. John’s Homeless Shelter says for years there’s been an uptick in homeless people at the nearby park.
Last year, police were called over a hundred times.
Shelter officials say dozens of homeless people stayed there from May through October of 2020.
They say some were not part of shelter programs, aimed at helping homeless people find a place to sleep.
Officials say the uptick is mostly due to COVID-19, as shelters across the city also dealt with capacity limits.
FOX 11 reports one Green Bay alderperson brought concerns from nearby residents. District 8 Alderperson Chris Wery saying, “a daycare who had concerns, they would always used to bring their kids to this park to play. But last year they had to tell them the park was busy. They had to find other places to go even though those residents, those kids, own this park. They shouldn’t have to be steered away from something they’ve enjoyed for years. And then I’ve heard from residents nearby who think there’s got to be a better solution.”
Another alderperson disagreed, saying “the only way the daycare center is getting back to the park is if we offer these services and we’re addressing people’s needs.” District 7 Alderperson Randy Scannell added “This program I see is a positive step into trying to pick up some slack for services. The more services we can offer the better for the individuals and the better for our community.”
The trial program is expected to start on April 30th.
St. John’s Homeless Shelter will run it and will update city officials about its progress this summer.
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