Catholic Charities to Return to 6-Month Service Model at Good Shepherd Shelter in Wausau

After a thorough review of the recently released Request for Proposals (RFP) from the City of Wausau and Marathon County for a year-round shelter, Catholic Charities has determined that the capacity requirements outlined in the proposal exceed what our current space can accommodate, and the cost of physical expansion and long-term sustainability is not feasible. Additionally, the funding provided for shelter operation is insufficient in both amount and duration for Catholic Charities to responsibly commit to operating under the proposed model.

Beyond these logistical challenges, the program-based approach outlined in the RFP does not align with our core mission of providing low-barrier, emergency, night-by-night shelter for those in greatest need.
After two years of operating the Good Shepherd Shelter year-round, on May 1st of 2025 Catholic Charities will return to its longstanding six-month service model. This seasonal approach has long allowed us to provide critical emergency shelter to the most vulnerable individuals in Marathon County and beyond. We remain dedicated to ensuring that those in need have a safe place to turn.

“Our experience operating emergency shelters has shown that shifting to a program-based model could unintentionally exclude many vulnerable individuals from receiving the help they desperately need,” said Roberto Partarrieu, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of La Crosse. “We pioneered some of the first low-barrier shelters in Wisconsin because traditional models placed too many obstacles in the way of those struggling with mental health challenges, addiction, and other hardships.”

Homelessness is a complex, community-wide challenge that requires collaboration among all stakeholders, with the dignity of every individual at its core. Catholic Charities remains steadfast in its commitment to being part of the solution through the Good Shepherd Shelter and other essential services for years to come.

Individuals who wish to support our mission can become a volunteer or donor by visiting cclse.org. Together, we can continue providing hope and dignity to those in need.