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NEW
COMMUNITY SHELTER
BY TERRI REFSGUARD
At the New Community Shelter, this is the time of year we re- group and
plan for the cold months that will quickly arrive. Today we have 93
individuals residing at the shelter – 26 women & 67 men. As we prepare
for the colder months we (similar to our squirrel friends) gather &
stock up on all those items we need on hand to get through the winter.
We do so kind-of holding our breath-wondering just how many in our
community may come to our door for help this winter. Those literally
living pay check to pay check - with the hope that they will not be
faced with any unexpected costs - do so trying to simply keep up. At the
same time many may fear heating costs, consistently high gas prices,
simple day to day living expenses, and any unplanned necessary expenses…
may all come to a head mid winter and jeopardize their housing.
We are fortunate to have the support of over 77 volunteer groups
(churches, clubs, organizations, corporations, families, etc.) who make
it their priority to ensure that 365 days per year dinner will be served
in Schneider Hall each evening & along with lunch on weekends and
holidays, so no one goes hungry. For many, the opportunity to have a
meal with us once a day – offers them more in their budgets to address
utility costs, medical expenses, housing costs, etc. – which in turn
helps prevent them from becoming homeless.
As we seem to move ever so quickly through the month of October, the New
Community Shelter in partnership with the Mayor, the County Executive,
and many many others are working daily to help renovate a building
across the street (200 Mather St.). The building will house those who
participate in our newest program The New Safe Step program.
New Safe Step LLC will be an Emergency Shelter – located at 200 Mather
Street, offering the very basics of safety and shelter. A program
designed to meet the basic needs of a participant with few eligibility
barriers. An individual, who presents themselves in need of shelter,
will be welcomed to stay the night in a safe environment. This program
will encourage participants at the moment of sobriety, to enter the New
Community Shelter (Shaffer House) to meet with a Case Manager, have
breakfast, and engage in activities that are positive and promote
self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-respect.
The participants in this program will receive individualized, intense
case management within a team approach made up by professional staff of
both the New Community Shelter and specialized Brown County Human
Services staff in collaboration with a number of other service
providers. Any needs or resources in addition to basic shelter will be
available through the participant’s Case Manager.
The immediate goal will be a busy and productive day to achieve day one
of being drug or alcohol free while beginning to build a relationship of
trust. Movement into the rehabilitative program of the New Community
Shelter (Shaffer House) will be the ‘next step’ for many participants of
this entry step program. This program is designed to serve our
communities most complex and most vulnerable individuals who are
experiencing homelessness.
Since the New Safe Step Program will not be supported by tax payer
dollars – many are out there in our community – on our behalf - seeking
all that will be necessary to provide a warm - safe but simple living
space. Additional staff will be hired which will include a professional
Case Manager as well as staff who will serve as House Supervisors whose
responsibility will be to ensure safety for all while building a
relationship.
Though the program will not duplicate the current New Community Shelter
program – its focus and priority will be on help…..and hope & will be
offered with dignity & respect for all who come to our door.
Much of what we are trying to acquire today focuses on the renovation of
the building itself. All of those resources needed to address flooring,
electrical, some masonry, bunk beds, window treatments, plumbing, etc.
to meet our opening deadline date of November 1. Raising the funds to
offer appropriate staffing, utilities, etc. is also a crucial goal for
all involved with the project. We have a personal commitment from both
the Mayor & our County Executive to help us raise these funds – as no
tax dollars will be utilized.
Helping people help themselves……..With an additional facility that
offers a program that meets the person where “they are at” – at that
moment…as a start.
Terri Refsguard
Executive Director
Please check out our new website at:
www.newcommunityshelter.org
New Community Shelter, Inc.
301 Mather Street
Green Bay, WI 54303
Tele: (920) 437.3766 Extension 101
Fax: (920) 617.0036
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