An increase in demand has led an emergency shelter in Shawano County to open ahead of schedule. Oct. 17, 2025. PC: Fox 11 Online
SHAWANO, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — An increase in demand has led an emergency shelter in Shawano to open ahead of schedule.
After years of the shelter being open from Nov. 1 to April 30, Shawano Area Matthew 25, or SAM 25, is staying open even longer.
“Lately around Shawano, there’s a big push for just finding an increase in services for those who are homeless and just creating awareness that there is a homeless problem in Shawano,” SAM 25 Executive Director Kendra Brusewitz said.
SAM 25 opened its doors for the season on Oct. 15 and will stay open through May 15. The shelter sleeps 21 people and also serves hot meals.
Brusewitz said given the increasing housing crisis and Wisconsin’s unpredictable weather, she knows Mother Nature won’t necessarily wait until Nov. 1 to get cold.
“Even if we had one person that night, it’s still a success because it shows that we’re helping that individual get off the street and that they’re safe,” Brusewitz said.
No special approval by the city was needed for the expansion since it still fits the definition of an emergency shelter.
The additional time came with an additional cost of $50,000. Fundraising and community donations helped provide that.
“The community’s effort has been so amazing,” volunteer Kathy Ile said.
The nonprofit made the decision to expand back in June. SAM 25 has seen an increase in those utilizing emergency shelter services in its 10-year history. Ile said the expansion will be a great asset for people in need.
“Every day that we spend open longer than what we’ve been is definitely a positive,” Ile said.
This is the first time SAM 25 has expanded its time of operation. It’s eventually their goal to have the shelter open year-round, but they said it’s baby steps right now.
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