1-25-25 ssm health waupun memorial hospital donates to fdl warming shelter

SSM Health continues its support of the Holy Family Warming Shelter’s efforts to care for the most vulnerable in the community thanks to a recent $10,000 donation from SSM Health Waupun Memorial Hospital. This gift follows two previous SSM Health donations totaling $45,000.   Thanks to a collaborative community effort, those experiencing homelessness are finding hope through the new Holy Family Warming Shelter, located at First Street in Fond du Lac.  The check was presented by DeAnn Thurmer, president, SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital, and Nicole Gill, vice president, clinical Administrator, SSM Health Waupun Memorial Hospital. The donation was received by Manuel Santos, manager of the Holy Family Warming Shelter, Erin Cobb, director of Human Concerns, Holy Family Catholic Community, and Valerie Collien, Human Concerns associate, Holy Family Catholic Community.      “The shelter offers temporary refuge for individuals experiencing homelessness in the Fond du Lac County area, particularly during the harsh winter months,” according to the Very Rev. Ryan Pruess, Holy Family Catholic Community. “This past summer, our shelter underwent renovation to install shower facilities and additional bathrooms, make the facility more handicapped accessible, and increase the number of people we can serve. SSM Health Waupun Memorial Hospital’s generous gift to support these renovations helps us to ensure we can offer the best care to those in need of our services.”    The positive effects of these renovations will extend beyond meeting basic human needs, Very Rev. Pruess explains. “We want to help our shelter guests regain stability and rebuild their lives. While something like a shower may seem simple, studies have shown that a shower can improve confidence and help to increase the likelihood of someone finding housing and a job,” he says. “These renovations help us to further ensure a sense of dignity and respect for those experiencing homelessness, and with the increased capacity, to serve more people.”    “Much like SSM Health, Holy Family Catholic Community worked to address an unmet need within the Fond du Lac area, and took immediate steps to find a solution,” according to Thurmer. “We know that the number of individuals and families who are facing difficult financial times continues to grow, and it’s important that their needs are met through the support of others.”   The Holy Family Warming Shelter, located at 73 E. First Street, is open from November through April. In its first season in 2023, it served 164 individuals. This season, with the shelter’s capacity increased from 30 to 36 single adults, the shelter hopes to serve more people in need. In addition to access to shower and bathroom facilities, the shelter offers guests a clean, warm place to sleep and hot and nutritious meals.    While the parish runs the warming shelter, it thrives through the collaboration of the larger Fond du Lac County community. Numerous sources fund the warming shelter, including government grants, private donations, and corporate sponsorships.    Those interested in supporting the shelter are invited to contact Erin Cobb at the Holy Family Parish Office at 920-921-0580. For more information on the shelter, and how you can volunteer or donate, please visit hffdl.org/warming-shelter.   In 2024, SSM Health Greater Fond du Lac has donated more than $568,000 to local non-profit organizations in Fond du Lac and surrounding areas. This investment helps ensure access to health care for patients who are uninsured or underinsured, train the next generation of health professionals to care for those in need, and fund programs to address the most pressing health needs of our communities.   “Each year, SSM Health reinvests in our communities through charity care as well as contributions to community health improvement services,” according to Gill. “We work together with community partners to provide a safety net, helping people access preventative care, investing in critical services, and bringing hope to individuals in difficult times. The work being done by Holy Family certainly embodies these great efforts.”