SHAWANO, WI (WTAQ) – Shawano’s emergency homeless shelter is about to expand to make more room.
After four years, SAM 25 is growing beyond their original plan.
The Board of Directors announced the purchase of the New Era House as their new home.
“It was always just meant to be a temporary thing and just get us our start.”
The group opened their facility in 2015 in a site that was owned by Shawano Municipal Utilities.
Since then, the facility served its purpose and now, more room is needed.
“We are growing out of it. We are at or over capacity so far this season for about 30 percent of our shelter nights and we are not even through half of our season yet,” Laude Bisterfeldt said.
Jennifer Laude Bisterfeldt, Executive Director says at capacity, they have 17 people sharing one shower and two toilets, and they have even more people knocking at their door.
“We have 22 people on a wait list right now to get into the shelter.”
Laude Bisterfeldt says it is great that they are able to help so many people but sad that so many people need help.
The discussion of expanding has been going on for some time as SAM 25 has been able to help 252 people since May 2017.
The decision became possible after the New Era House property was put up for sale by the owner who announced plans to retire.
The New Era House is used to house released convicted sex offenders that have been put back in the community.
Along with having more room, Laude Bisterfeldt says they will also be able to improve on their programs they offer including a one on one mentoring program for residents and programs to help all members of the communities with living and employment struggles.
Classes are being offered on renting, budgeting, employment and parenting.
Future goals for SAM 25 include opening a community medical clinic and possible store where guests can work for a source of income.
They will begin fundraising efforts for the new facility and the planning is underway.
The hope is to move into the new facility by before they open their doors for the 2019-2020 season this fall.
