SHAWANO, WI- The City of Shawano is calling on residents, organizations, and community leaders to help address a growing concern for the local homeless population—particularly during the summer months.
At a recent city council meeting, Mayor Bruce Milavitz acknowledged an urgent gap in available shelter for homeless individuals during the warmer months of the year. While programs like SAM25 provide vital overnight housing during the colder seasons, there is currently no dedicated shelter space available from May through October.
“I made an assumption—and we all know what happens when you do that,” Mayor Milavitz admitted during public remarks. “I thought there were options year-round. But we’ve come to learn that once May rolls around, there’s essentially no place for people to go at night.”
The issue was brought to the city’s attention during public comment, where local residents voiced concern over the lack of resources for homeless families and individuals when the city’s parks close for the night and shelters aren’t operating.
“This really tugged at me,” the mayor said. “I don’t know all the reasons for the problem, but I want to do something about it—and I believe others out there have great ideas that could help us.”
Mayor Milavitz emphasized that while government has a role to play, community-driven efforts and partnerships may be key in finding effective, sustainable solutions. He specifically praised organizations like SAM25 and Newcap, which provide critical services during the colder months and for families, respectively, but noted that their resources are limited.
“We’re thankful for everything SAM25 does, especially from November to May,” he said. “They do a great job—fundraising, feeding the hungry, and providing a safe place for people to sleep. But they can’t do it 365 days a year.”
In addition, Milavitz mentioned that churches and charitable donors have stepped up in the past to help cover the cost of emergency hotel stays for individuals in crisis. However, these efforts are typically short-term fixes rather than permanent solutions.
Now, the city is hoping to spark broader community involvement. Mayor Milavitz is encouraging anyone with ideas, experience, or resources to reach out and be part of the conversation.
“I feel like this is an open slate,” he said. “There has to be an opportunity out there to do more.”
Community members interested in offering ideas or getting involved are encouraged to contact Mayor Milavitz directly at mayor@cityofshawano.com or by calling City Hall and leaving a message.
“We can’t fix what we don’t see,” Milavitz added. “Let’s come together and try to find a solution that reflects who we are as a community.”
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