GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Non-profit organizations in Northeast Wisconsin join the list of things impacted by COVID-19, according to a report released by University of Wisconsin Green Bay.
“It has turned us upside down,” said the executive director of New Community Shelter,Terri Refsguard.
Green Bay’s New Community Shelter helps the homeless get back on their feet. With “Safer At Home” mandates, Refsguard tells FOX 11 many of these organizations quickly halted operations.
“We had to stop what we were doing and basically lock the doors,” said Refsguard.
The report by UWGB highlights specifically how COVID-19 hurt non-profits during the state’s “Safer At Home” shutdowns.
For example, “80% had reduced their volunteers,” said UWGB associate professor and co-author of the report Lora Warner.
However, it was even worse at the New Community Shelter who completely eliminated volunteers.
“More than half of these organizations had to reduce their services and we need to find ways to really help this more vulnerable part of our community,” said Warner.
The shelter recognizes this more vulnerable community and their fears. Specifically, having access to meals.
“They were scared and I think they’re still scared,” Refsguard said, “asking will you be here tomorrow?”
Even though the shelter’s doors have been closed to volunteers, Refsguard tells FOX 11 it plans to reopen soon.
“It was nice to sit around the table Tuesday saying we’re gonna open back up.”
As for other non-profits:
“Right now it’s so important for us to not forget about them,” said Warner, “it’s a huge part of our society and quality of life.
Warner tells FOX 11 they still need help too, even if it looks a little different.
“A different kind of volunteer is needed right now someone, maybe a younger person, who can help an organizations make a video or organize zoom call. It’s just very different right now.”
You can read the report here.
