City of Wausau Holds Lengthy Update on Efforts to Combat Homelessness

Tuesday, July 16th, 2024 -- 8:01 AM

(Mike Leischner, WSAU) The City of Wausau held a lengthy update on efforts to combat homelessness in the city on Monday.

According to Mike Leischner with WSAU, Council Rasmussen opened the meeting by calling it a “point in time” snapshot of the city’s current efforts. The Council heard from several city departments and non-profits including interim Community Development Director Randy Fifrick, who provided an update on affordable housing projects.

Other presenters included Police Chief Matthew Barnes, who earlier in the evening told the Public Health and Safety Committee that the recent hire of two additional police officers focused on homelessness issues has helped create a better downtown environment.

“Having those officers downtown in those businesses [and] engaging with individuals has the same effect that parking a marked squad car on a road does. It gets people to slow down and obey.”

City Attorney Anne Jacobson, Community Outreach Officer Tracy Rieger, and members of the city’s fire department also addressed the committee. Marathon County Administrator Lance Leonhard also addressed the committee regarding county efforts.

A representative from the Bridge Street Mission also addressed the council, including an overview of the Community on Call program which debuted last winter. After the presentation, Alders had a chance to give their ideas for how the issue could be tackled.

Both Council President Lisa Rasmussen and Alder Sarah Watson said they see opportunities for better communication among agencies. “It seems like we are silos,” said Watson. “We’re working on the same issue. It’s not like there aren’t a lot of minds working on this, but we [are doing so] in our little silo.”

Alder Tom Neal suggested investing in “pallet homes” to create an area where qualified residents could have use of a small, efficient home to stay while they get on their feet. Mayor Doug Diny said all of those are good ideas, but the key is finding an appropriate role for the city and public funds.

“We have to understand what our role is financially. We have to do something with surrounding communities and other organizations. We’re not going to do it alone. Together we do more than we do individually. So start thinking about how we weave the rest of the community in."

"Are we the driver? Are we a participant? Where do you see the city because it’s all got to come back to how do we pay for it?” No action was taken as a result of Monday’s discussion but Alders will bring ideas to future committee meetings for consideration and possible action.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.