WAUKESHA, Wis. — An emergency shelter that provides housing to people at risk of homelessness during the cold winter months will see its seasonal opening delayed, due to significant water damage.
The Waukesha Emergency Winter Overflow Shelter was supposed to open for the season on Dec. 16. However, due to water damage sustained from an apparent sprinkler issue, that opening is expected to be delayed until January.
Kathleen Fisher is the executive director of Hebron Housing Services and serves on the board of the Housing Action Coalition of Waukesha County. Fisher said damage was sustained literally from floor to ceiling.
“I came down right away to see what had happened. When I saw the damage done, I was very disappointed to know all the work we have done to get this open and to have to delay that opening is very disappointing,” Fisher said.
Monday, restoration crews were on site tearing out water-damaged vinyl flooring and working to repair the ceiling.
The shelter operates as a backup during the winter months when other local shelters are at their busiest.
With about 40 beds now out of commission for several weeks, Fisher said other local shelters will likely feel the pressure. She said other shelters should be able to accommodate an influx of people, but that it will be challenging.
“What we will do is work together with community partners to see what else we can make available to them during these weeks the overflow is closed,” Fisher said.
Fisher said she is grateful that insurance should cover the cost to repair the bulk of the damage.
Monetary donations to the Housing Action Coalition can be made, here. Donations of personal hygiene products are also needed.