Wausau Finance Committee Votes to Move Forward with Proposal to Provide Year-Round, Overnight Shelter Services

Thursday, June 26th, 2025 -- 10:00 AM

(Mike Leischner, WSAU) The Wausau Finance Committee voted to move forward with a proposal from the non-profit Bridge Street Mission to provide year-round overnight shelter services at their new location on First Avenue.

According to Mike Leischner with WSAU, Wausau Police Chief Matthew Barnes said the proposal is the only one they’ve received after two rounds of requests, and it comes from a group that can get the job done.

“I know from working with [Director] Craig Vincent and the Bridge Street Mission where our missions have aligned through task forces, planning, and trying to figure out how to address [homelessness] in this community. I find him to be a man of integrity who has a heart for the homeless population and the professional experience to accomplish that.”

Barnes adds that the facility could provide somewhat of a “one-stop” shop for services throughout the day, from an overnight bed to a continental breakfast and a mid-day meal.

“It is very advantageous to the potential success [of the facility.]” Some expressed concerns about the Mission’s Christian values, but both Barnes and Vincent firmly stated that the shelter would be inclusive to everyone.

“Our contract language will require that these shelter services and beds be available to everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender. Zero discrimination [against] any individual.”

Vincent said the Mission already operates programs that offer meals and services to anyone regardless of faith or sexual orientation, including a day center with meal service “for the unhoused community and others that might be hungry to come, hang out, and get meals. As Chief Barnes said, there is really no requirement of belief or lifestyle to be a part of that.” Additionally, no volunteers for those programs are turned away because of those beliefs.

“We have a tiered volunteer system. On one end, I had eight bankers from Prevail Bank and there was no requirement for them to come in to do service; that asked them what they believed or what lifestyle they were living. On the other end of the spectrum we do have volunteers that we require to be like-minded people of faith.”

Those who screen at the higher level have more direct contact with clients, including shuttle drivers who may be in a vehicle with them for extended periods. Other services that require additional screening or drug testing would also remain separate from the overnight shelter services.

Those would include rehab and recovery services that Vincent called a “Christian decipleship” program, which the participants are informed of and voluntarily commit to.

The group met in closed session for about 30 minutes, discussing finer points of the proposal, before voting 4-1 to move forward with negotiations. Alder Gary Gisselman was the lone no vote.

A refined proposal is expected to be brought to the June 8th Finance Committee meeting and the full council later that night.

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