St. John the Evangelist Homeless Shelter in Green Bay as seen on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017. PC: Fox 11 Online
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — St. John’s Ministries will consolidate its men’s and women’s homeless shelters to begin the season because of a staffing shortage.
Leaders say even with the consolidation, 25% of shelter shifts remain unfilled.
“After many meetings and careful thought, I decided it was best for women and men seeking shelter to be in one building,” executive director Jesse Brunette said in a news release. “It just wouldn’t be smart to operate two shelters and attempt to provide full shelter services with the current level of staffing we have. The seasonal staff we have is outstanding and have a heart to serve. They are one of the key reasons we can operate as we do.”
“My heart is broken for the women in the community who need shelter,” Brunette continued. “They face trauma and abuse in their lives, and St. John’s Ministries will still provide shelter services, love and resources to move forward. To start this shelter season men and women will be sheltered in one building until we can find more seasonal staff.”
Available shifts include support, security and shift leads. Hours are from 4p.m.-midnight or midnight-9 a.m. Applications are available on St. John’s website.
Shelter officials plan to reevaluate staffing weekly to determine whether the separate women’s shelter can open.
Last winter, St. John’s served 418 men and 187 women. The 605 total people sheltered was a record for St. John’s.
This year’s season begins on Wednesday.
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