SHAWANO , WI – As the number of individuals experiencing homelessness grows across Shawano County and Northeast Wisconsin, local service agencies are seeing a sharp increase in demand for emergency shelter and basic health care.
Kendra Brusewitz, executive director of SAM 25, a nonprofit in Shawano that operates an emergency shelter and free health clinic, says the problem is more widespread than many people realize.
“Homelessness in Shawano and the surrounding region is much more prevalent than people think,” Brusewitz said.
From November 1 to April 30, SAM 25 operates its emergency overnight shelter, offering a warm, safe place for individuals who have nowhere else to go. Guests are welcomed each night starting at 5 p.m. and are required to leave by 8 a.m. the next morning.
During the most recent shelter season, the organization served 90 unique guests, totaling 2,203 bed nights, a significant increase from previous years. In addition to shelter services, SAM 25’s free health clinic continues to meet the basic medical needs of those without access to care, having served 91 individuals during the same period.
SAM 25 continues to rely on volunteers, donations, and community partnerships to meet rising demand and provide vital resources for those facing housing insecurity.
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