Where are Sheboygan's homeless encampments?
Nearly 200 individuals were found to be homeless in July
SHEBOYGAN — Homelessness continues to be a troubling problem in Sheboygan and city officials appear to be unwilling to find a solution to the growing population.
Homeless encampments in the City of Sheboygan can be found on the grounds of the Mead Public Library with at least one male in a wheelchair camped out at the front door to the library or rotating around the building. Other encampments can be found between the U.S. Bank Tower and Elevate Yoga as well as between the Black Pig Restaurant and Sully’s Ride Shop. Depending on the weather, an encampment is visible during the night on the sidewalk at North 8th Street and Wisconsin Avenue.
Other encampments include the Workers Water Street Park, City Green, a city park across from the John Michael Kohler Arts Center and in the vicinity of the 8th Street Bridge. Homeless individuals have also taken up residency in their vehicles scattered throughout the city. According to Lakeshore CAP, 187 individuals were found to be homeless in July.
Downtown business owners and residents have voiced frustrations and concerns over the homeless encampments. Business owners have cited an increase of trash, unattended property, rats, cockroaches and other rodents. Residents and visitors have expressed safety concerns including several parents who no longer take their children to the library due to the behavior of the homeless individuals.
The Sheboygan County Warming Center provides shelter during the winter months at St. Luke United Methodist Church. The shelter will open this year on Monday, November 10th. However, the non-profit organization is looking at a year-round solution that could put transitional housing in the Kuehne Park Neighborhood but that plan is in the developmental stages. Other local non-profit organizations have looked at the feasibility of a homeless shelter in the downtown area but have been given the cold shoulder by Mayor Ryan Sorenson.
Community leaders discourage providing homeless individuals with cash and supplies. Instead, donations should be directed to the Salvation Army or the Sheboygan County Warming Center to encourage they are properly distributed. Giving money to homeless individuals creates a cycle of dependency.
To report problems relating to the homeless encampments, call Mayor Sorenson at (920) 459-3317. For those wishing to make a donation or to volunteer, call the Salvation Army at (920) 458-3723.
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