Tim Ryan, tryan@wolfrivermedia.com
A vacant building owned by Shawano Municipal Utilities could become home to an emergency shelter for the homeless if approved by the Common Council next week.
The Plan Commission on Wednesday recommended approval of a conditional use permit that would allow nonprofit group Shawano Area Matthew 25 to operate the shelter at 213 E. Green Bay St.
The group formed in 2013 with goals that included establishing an emergency homeless shelter and a free or low-cost clinic, both of which would be offered at the site.
The commission’s recommendation came with several conditions, including a review of the shelter’s admission policies and procedures once they are drafted.
City Administrator Brian Knapp said it’s expected those policies will include a zero tolerance for drugs and alcohol, and a means of doing background checks on anyone being admitted.
The shelter will also be required to provide on-site supervision during its hours of operation, and the commission will review a report of those operations after one year.
The group’s plan calls for providing overnight shelter and sustenance to the homeless between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m., and health care for the uninsured on weekdays and possibly Saturday mornings.
The Common Council will review the proposal when it meets at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at City Hall, 127 S. Sawyer St.