OSHKOSH, Wis. — Homelessness doesn’t just impact people during the cold months. It’s a year-round problem.

The Day by Day Shelter in Oshkosh, Wis., is seeing an increase in those needing a place to stay, especially with one age group.

Molly Yatso-Butz, the shelter’s executive director, said in Wisconsin and across the country, there’s a growing number of seniors who are finding themselves without a place to live.

In 2023, Day by Day Shelter increased its capacity to 50 bed and stays open 365 days a year. The shelter was previously open for six months a year, with just 25 beds. 

Day by Day Shelter's mission is to  provide temporary shelter and opportunities for self-sufficiency to empower vulnerable adults.

Dwight Perry, 67, said he has struggled with bouts of alcoholism and bad choices that have left him homeless.

“I got into some trouble and went to jail for a year. I got out with no place to go,” Perry said. 

On the streets, Perry said he recognized his life needed to change. He sobered up and is now on the road to stability thanks to services offered at the Day by Day Shelter.

“They were paying fees for me, for background checks for apartments. They got my birth certificate for me. Yeah, they’ve been very helpful to me,” Perry said.

Yatso-Butz said this shelter is more than just a landing spot. She hopes to get everybody to a place of independence.

“That’s the one great thing about the Day by Day Shelter, is that we work through everybody’s story and try to help them piece together things that can help them get back on their feet,” Yatso-Butz said.

Perry is rebuilding his life thanks to the Day by Day Shelter. He now works as the shelter’s janitor. He said he hopes to stay on his newfound path.

“Some days, it’s hard getting through the day. I’m just trying to stay focused on my life,” Perry said.