Northeast Wisconsin counties are facing a housing crisis after the closure of Newcap, a nonprofit that provided homeless services to 10 counties, including Brown, Florence, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto, Shawano, Forest, Langlade, Oneida, and Vilas. The organization’s abrupt closure on March 31 has left over 100 low-income households on the brink of homelessness.

Local Shelters Overwhelmed

Safe Haven domestic abuse shelter in Shawano has seen an increase in crisis calls and shelter stays since Newcap’s closure. Executive Director Mindy Lohff said, ‘Unfortunately, if they aren’t actively fleeing domestic violence or sexual violence, they’re not eligible to stay here, and there’s nowhere for them to go in Shawano County.’ Shawano Area Matthew 25, a seasonal overnight homeless shelter, is also feeling the impact, with Executive Director Kendra Brusewitz stating, ‘Not having a place to refer people, families to in the area during the summer months is challenging.’

The closure of Newcap has not only affected Shawano County but also the surrounding areas. Rainbow House, a domestic violence shelter serving Marinette and Oconto counties, has seen a ‘steady increase’ in calls since Newcap’s closure. Executive Director Courtney Olson said, ‘In response to these long waits, we are working hard to keep survivors safe in their own homes whenever possible.’

Rebuilding Homeless Response

The Balance of State is acting as a temporary lead for the Northeast and NWISH coalitions, ensuring the ‘point-in-time’ homeless count happens and filling vacant board positions. Homeless systems manager Ryan Graham said, ‘Now, it’s about, ‘How do we rebuild some kind of homeless response in that area?’ because the agency that pretty much did all of that and provided the capacity to do it is no longer there.’ Local organizations, including Safe Haven and SAM25, are teaming up with Shawano Area United Way to form a coalition, educating local officials on housing needs and brainstorming solutions.

Original reporting: Wisconsin Watch — read the source article.