Stevens Point year-round shelter construction continues

STEVENS POINT, Wis. (WSAW) - Work is underway on a year-round shelter in Stevens Point, which city leaders hope will help address homelessness in the community.

Mayor Mike Wiza said work is moving along as expected at the former Odd Fellows Temple on Business 51.

Wiza did not say when the work will be completed but he anticipates the shelter will open in November or December.

Building purchase and construction

In February, the Stevens Point Common Council unanimously approved a $150,000 grant for the purchase of the building. Partnering Together of Portage County used the grant to buy the building in hopes of turning it into a shelter for the unhoused population.

As of last week, crews were installing sprinklers in the building. Crews have been working to bring the building up to code, including toilet and shower facilities and sprinklers.

Wiza described the current progress.

“All of that plumbing has now been roughed in and they are working on, my understanding is completing some of the drywall work that needs to be done, the tiling in the restrooms and things like that need to be done. With the anticipation of opening as soon as the weather turns,” Wiza said.

How the shelter will operate

The building is expected to house 30 people year-round. Once it opens, the shelter will operate on a first-come, first-served basis each night.

“Homelessness has been a concern since the dawn of time, and we’re going to do our best to make sure that those people who want help, who choose to take advantage of that help and follow the rules are given an opportunity to do so,” Wiza said.

Location and current resources

The shelter is in the central part of the city on Church Street, between Rodgers Cinema and Community Thrift Store. In the meantime, the Salvation Army is providing resources to those in immediate need.

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