PHOTO: Courtesy of WLUK
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The St. John the Evangelist Homeless Shelter wants to expand the capacity of its women’s shelter from 58 to 70 beds, and wants to operate it year-round.
The shelter operates two facilities: a men’s shelter at 411 St. John St., and a women’s shelter at 700 E. Walnut Street. While the men’s shelter operates year-round, the women’s shelter is limited to Nov. 1 through April 30.
According to a request submitted to the city, the women’s shelter average per-night population increased from 31 to 37 to 41 in the last three years. Last season, on 16 occasions, more than 50 women stayed there.
“This number has been steadily increasing, and they would like to be prepared to serve the needs of individuals seeking shelter. If the circumstance requires the sheltering of 59–70 women, St. John’s will execute their “overflow plan”, which allows for mats on the floor versus the installation of more bunk beds. The removal of the operation dates would allow more flexibility in planning for and responding to the needs of our homeless population, especially in emergency situations. This includes a possible expansion of a year-round program similar to their men’s shelter operations,” the agenda report states.
The shelter also notes increasing demand at Wellspring, the daytime resource center for women.
City staff endorse the changes, noting the city has not had any issues with the shelter since it opened in 2021.
The Plan Commission meets at 6 p.m. Monday in room 604 of City Hall, 100 N. Jefferson St.
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