GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A homeless shelter in Green Bay has been looking for ways to help people who would otherwise take to the streets to sleep.
Monday, the city’s planning commission voted unanimously to allow the shelter to do just that through the summer months.
In the past, St. Johns Shelter was not permitted to house people during the months it was closed, primarily summer, and parts of spring and fall.
Last week fire officials asked leaders of the shelter to apply for a permit to do so.
“We speak to the need that exists when doors close April 30th,” said Alexia Wood. Wood is with the St. Johns Shelter.
She tells FOX 11…
“the reality is certainly homelessness exists beyond the six months St. Johns is able to meet that need.”
Wood says the shelter has been considering being open for more than a year, however, it’s a conversation that has been going on for over a decade.
At Monday’s planning commission meeting, Wood said the shelter doesn’t act as a long-term housing program, but an emergency for those in need.
