Tim Ryan, tryan@wolfrivermedia.com
With winter over, the urgent need to provide the homeless with temporary shelter has passed, but their other needs have not changed with the weather.
That’s why the SAM’s House temporary shelter in Shawano will continue to keep busy through its off season.
Beginning Tuesday, the shelter will hold weekly Resource Days from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering information on where the homeless can go for assistance and job resources, hygiene items, clothing or to take a shower. Services will be offered to those in need even if they haven’t been a previous guest of the shelter.
“We saw a real need,” said Jennifer Laude Bisterfeldt, executive director of SAM’s House.
She said many people in need stop by the shelter for assistance during its off season.
The shelter provides overnight housing from Nov. 1 through April 30.
In its second year of operation just ended, the shelter provided temporary housing to 75 unique guests, including 17 children, for 1,700 nights of stay.
That is nearly triple the 600 nights of stay during the shelter’s first year.
“We’ve been three times as busy,” Bisterfeldt said. “It’s unfortunate that it’s needed, but it’s good that we’re there.”
The shelter emphasized providing resources and instituted a Steps to Success program for its guests in its second year.
“We’ve helped people get back on their feet, get jobs and find housing,” Bisterfeldt said. “We’ll do whatever we can. That’s what we’re there for.”
Though the shelter draws visitors from several surrounding counties, most guests are local, Bisterfeldt said.
“A lot of them were born and raised here,” she said.
Bisterfeldt said many people don’t realize how prevalent the need is.
“It’s always a surprise that there are so many people in need of help,” she said.
In addition to the Resource Days, the shelter will also be holding monthly open houses from 4-6 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month.
“Our doors will be open for tours, information and we will have volunteers available to answer questions about the organization,” Bisterfeldt said. “This will be an excellent opportunity for the community to learn about what we do and be able to see our facility.”
Groups are also invited to arrange private tours and information sessions.
“If people would like more information, let us know,” Bisterfeldt said. “We want to educate the community about the need.”
The shelter is also seeking additional volunteers.
SAM’s House, at 213 E. Green Bay St., was founded by Shawano Area Matthew 25.
The shelter can be reached at 715-851-7252.