Article Summary –
The women’s recovery center being developed at Bridge Street Mission in Wausau aims to address the needs of women experiencing homelessness, addiction, and trauma by providing a dedicated residential programming space, as current local services focus more on men and families. Bridge Street recently secured a $50,000 grant from the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority Foundation to assist with this project, with plans to open the center in June. Additional grants have been awarded to Solutions Recovery and United Community Center, focusing on sober living housing improvements and expanding men’s residential facilities, respectively, highlighting a broader commitment to enhancing support structures for vulnerable populations in Wisconsin.
The women’s recovery center at Bridge Street Mission in Wausau is a vital addition, according to Craig Vincent, executive director.
Over four years, Bridge Street Mission, a faith-based nonprofit aiding those facing homelessness, addiction, and food insecurity, noted that 25%-36% of crisis center visitors were women. Vincent highlighted that many of these women navigate chronic homelessness and have lost child custody.
Existing local services cater to men or families, but even Bridge Street’s mixed-gender shelters may not suit women who have faced trauma, Vincent noted.
“There was nothing addressing solo women’s needs,” Vincent explained. “They are among the most vulnerable.”
The women’s recovery center aims to open in June, bolstered by a $50,000 grant from the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority Foundation (WHEDA), which allocated $2 million for emergency and low-income housing.
“These grants offer crucial resources for Wisconsinites facing housing challenges,” Democratic Gov. Tony Evers stated. “Our administration is dedicated to ensuring everyone has a safe place at night.”
Solutions Recovery in Oshkosh provides programs addressing addiction, with staff having personal recovery experiences. The organization offers sober living and 24/7 peer support.
Executive Director Megan Edwards, leading Solutions Recovery for 18 months, celebrated the first successful capital grant in her tenure.
“$50,000 is a big deal for us,” Edwards expressed. “Capital funds are often hard to find.”
The grant supports sober living homes’ rehabilitation, including a bathroom expansion to utilize more spaces in a “historic building,” Edwards said.
“We need an accessible bathroom to open other currently unused spaces,” she detailed. “There’s more potential space after conversion.”
Funds also ensure property upkeep, providing dignity and safety, including roofing and painting, which are essential yet challenging to fundraise, Edwards said.
Solutions Recovery supports about 250 participants yearly in sober living, with maintenance demands making the grant welcome news.
“It’s the brick-and-mortar needs,” Edwards noted. “The $50,000 is a blessing for property upkeep.”
Project quotes come from construction firms operated by those in recovery.
“We’re partnering with our recovery community for this work,” Edwards said.
In Milwaukee, the United Community Center’s $50,000 funds a new men’s facility, potentially aiding 90 more men with emergency housing annually, said human services director Mara Lovo.
“We anticipate welcoming clients this summer,” Lovo added.
With over 40 years in this field, Vincent emphasized Bridge Street’s mission extends beyond basic needs, aiming to support societal reintegration.
Vincent noted that Wausau’s chamber of commerce resides in a historic train depot, symbolizing societal participation. The women’s center is integral to Bridge Street’s On Track campaign for facility renovation across programs.
“We’re a temporary stepping stone for societal reintegration,” Vincent concluded.
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