FOND DU LAC – As spring weather sets into the area, the city’s newest warming shelter is marking the end of its successful first season, and readying the shelter for the next.
On November 15, 2023, the Holy Family Warming Shelter opened on First Street to offer up to 30 single adults experiencing homelessness a place of safety and respite during the winter months. Through April 30, 2024, the Holy Family Warming Shelter served 164 individuals and distributed more than 1,000 meals—all of which were donated. A volunteer team of 159 people helped to care for the shelter’s guests, with more than 32 local organizations represented among the volunteers. “We were blessed to have an incredible team of staff and volunteers at the Holy Family Warming Shelter, all working with the common goal of providing the best care possible to those most in need in our community,” Holy Family Catholic Community Pastor, Very Rev. Ryan Pruess said. Mark and Karen Krueger, who volunteered throughout the season, said their experience at the Holy Family Warming Shelter was “gratifying,” and helped them gain a “true understanding” of what it means to experience homelessness. “They are people who appreciate the generosity of having a hot meal and a warm place to sleep. The guests appreciated the kindness and respect shown to them,” Mark and Karen Krueger said. “By just being able to volunteer and talking to the guests, we got a glimpse to see who they are. They are people with hopes and dreams for the future.” 271 Fourth Street Way Fond du Lac, WI 54937 920-921-0580 www.hffdl.org Volunteer Theresa Lauber had a similar experience, as her time at the shelter opened her eyes to “the need the Fond du Lac community has for those struggling with the hardship of not having a home” as well as how factors, like winter weather, intensify that struggle. “This was especially revealed to me during the few days we experienced strong snowstorms and extremely cold weather when residents had no place to go. Volunteers came together to plan a way to stay open longer to keep residents secure. They were extremely grateful, and you could see the desire to stay safe and warm,” she said. As shelter employees and volunteers sought to meet clients with support, the community sought to do the same with the shelter. Hundreds of Holy Family Catholic Community parishioners and community members contributed needed items and thousands of dollars in support. Local government, as well as numerous businesses, churches, agencies, and organizations assisted by providing funds and knowledge to help bring the warming shelter to fruition. The Day by Day Warming Shelter in Oshkosh and the St. Katharine Drexel Shelter provided guidance on shelter operations that were integral to the Holy Family Warming Shelter’s own operations and development. Throughout the season, organizations offered further guidance and resources, such as the Fond du Lac Family YMCA, which allowed shelter guests to use its showers, as the Holy Family Warming Shelter could not offer them this past season. In November, St. Katharine Drexel Shelter and the Fond du Lac County United Way partnered with the Holy Family Warming Shelter to raise awareness about homelessness in the area at their Day of Compassion, collecting more than $4,000 for the organizations. “Without the widespread support we received, we would not have been able to care for the guests of the Holy Family Warming Shelter, let alone open. We are very grateful for everyone, from those who donated to those who volunteered, and who helped in the shelter in some way this season,” Holy Family Director of Human Concerns Erin Cobb. As only the most vital renovations were completed on the warming shelter prior to its opening in November 2023, further renovations will begin on the shelter this month. 271 Fourth Street Way Fond du Lac, WI 54937 920-921-0580 www.hffdl.org The updates will increase the warming shelter’s capacity, improve the facility’s accessibility, and add four on-site bathrooms and showers. These changes will elevate the level of care at the shelter, and further ensure a sense of dignity and respect for
those experiencing homelessness. If you are interested in supporting these renovations, as well as the Holy Family Warming Shelter’s operations, you can donate online at hffdl.org/warming-shelter, or send a check with “Warming Shelter” in the memo line to Holy Family Catholic Community, 271 Fourth Street Way, Fond du Lac, WI 54937. For more information, please contact the Holy Family Parish Office at (920) 921-0580. Looking back on the Holy Family Warming Shelter’s first season, it is impossible to not
recognize the sense of community that permeated every aspect of its development and operation. Those who volunteered there this winter will remember the experience as one of family. Bill and Tammi Burkart served at the shelter every Tuesday, an opportunity which they described as a blessing. One of their favorite parts of the night was volunteering with another pair, with whom they formed a connection. Their interactions led one of the shelter guests to ask if the four volunteers were a family. The Burkarts hoped such a
question was emblematic of the feeling of community within the shelter. “… I hope that the guests also felt a connection not only with one another but with us as well. Maybe our connection created a sense of togetherness and belonging for those residing at the Warming Shelter. Maybe at times we were a Tuesday Family,”
they said.
