A group of Kenosha clergy is concerned that homeless people in Kenosha could literally freeze to death this winter.
Congregations United to Serve Humanity—CUSH for short—is trying to draw attention to the lack of a low barrier, few-questions-asked shelter. Up until earlier this year, the city had First Step, a non-profit that sheltered between 25 and 35 people each night during winter. Neighbor complaints prompted the city to force it out of business.
CUSH has been trying ever since to find a replacement, without much luck. CUSH spokesman Justin Lowe, who also serves as a pastor at First United Methodist, says the response from top elected officials has been lackluster. "It seems that no one wants to take on that responsibility and actually help solve the problem," he said.
CUSH says its analysis shows that a low-barrier shelter could be run effectively over the four-month winter period for a cost that’s less than $100,000. A catch is that CUSH doesn’t have a location in mind.
CUSH held a rally Wednesday in front of Immanuel United Methodist Church on Sheridan Road that was attended by about fifty people, including some that are homeless.
Lowe says even with the Shalom Center’s new and larger quarters area pastors are being approached by homeless people asking for help. The Shalom Center is the city’s primary shelter, but already is on average at 80% capacity, according to the Shalom Center's director who spoke to WGTD a couple of weeks ago.
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