SHAWANO, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – SAM’s house in Shawano is ready to help anyone who may need assistance during — and beyond the pandemic.
SAM’s House homeless shelter is preparing to welcome people back to a bigger and newer building.
Jennifer Bisterfeldt tells FOX there’s room for about 25 people total.
“We’re increasing our capacity by about 10 people roughly. We can house up to 8 families in this building, our old building we only had enough room for about 5 and the rooms were a lot smaller.”
Bisterfeldt says the old shelter’s capacity was around 15 occupants — but many nights they held over that capacity.
“There has historically been a higher poverty rate in this area.”
According to the most recent United States Census estimates, Wisconsin’s poverty rate is 10.4%.
It’s 9.6 in Shawano County, but just a few miles away in Menominee County, more than 26% of people are in poverty.
“All of our plans have changed because of the pandemic.”
SAM’s House thought about COVID and the flu. There are two rooms for people to quarantine.
Bisterfeldt says the pandemic hasn’t been easy on the community.
“Recently we’ve been getting a lot of calls because people are homeless, losing their apartments, losing their housing, people who were doubled up, and staying with friends may not be able to do so because of COVID.”
A volunteer sees the new space as another step to help the community.
“Looking at the families and individuals who have stayed in the shelter.. who have found jobs and permanent housing.”
SAM’s House also has a resource center to help people get back on their feet. And a free medical clinic and thrift store are also on the way.
