It’s been a good start for the Manitowoc Warming Shelter since they’ve moved into a new location.
Due to space and other issues at First Presbyterian Church, the shelter was moved to Lakeshore CAP’s office this year.
Warming Shelter Founder Pastor Matt Sauer explains that they’ve had to send some people away since they are only allowed to accept twelve people a night.
So far, he’s been very thankful for the volunteers helping the shelter run.
“The more we have, the less that any one person has to be doing a whole lot,” he noted. “It’s incredible what the community does to support the shelter.”
Sauer explains that the group is still working to find a permanent shelter for those struggling with homelessness.
In August this year, we reported that the Neighborhood submitted a conditional use permit for a building on 8th Street that the St. Francis of Assisi Parish is selling.
However, the city has not taken any action yet to make it official. Sauer explains that it would be nice to have a place with showers and an area where people can be taught how to find a home and live a more normal life.
If everything were to work out for the shelter, the pastor said it would be a joyous celebration when “We know that we don’t have to turn someone out because we are limited by the number of beds. I think that’s going to be the greatest joy that we have.”
The Manitowoc Warming Shelter will remain open until mid-April, then close for the season.
