I want to express my gratitude for providing me with a month of housing, food, showers, and laundry. It was truly an answer to my prayers and a welcome respite. ~Shelter Guest
Catholic Charities operates the Good Shepherd Shelter year-round and works with United Way and other community organizations to ensure success. The Good Shepherd Shelter is an action step of the Wausau Housing and Homelessness Coalition, an initiative of United Way that exists to collaboratively raise community awareness to end homelessness by maximizing and strengthening existing resources, developing new, relevant solutions and creating a seamless delivery of services to end homelessness in Marathon County.
- Provides a clean, warm and safe environment for up to 30 adult men and women
- Accepts and encourages guests’ ambitions or hopes
- Provides a nightly hot meal to our guests
- Ensures each guest’s personal dignity, safety and respect
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are needed to keep our centers open. Volunteering at the Good Shepherd Shelter can take many forms. It can include making and serving meals, distributing bedding and clothing, written records of guest information, helping a guest read and understand our policies and procedures, and enjoying the evening. Whatever your schedule permits or comfort level, we have a volunteer opportunity for you!
We appreciate your support given to the shelter and our guests! Donations can be dropped off at 360 Grand Avenue, Suite 800 in Wausau. Please remember monetary donations are vital to keep our shelter open. Make a monetary donation today!
| Backpacks Bottled Water Breakfast & Soft Granola Bars Winter/Waterproof Gloves & Boots Hand & Foot Warmers Cleaning Supplies |
Men's & Women's New Underwear Fruit and Applesauce Cups Men's & Women's Thermal Underwear (Tops and Bottoms) Creamer/Sugar Laundry Soap/Dryer Sheets |
Extreme Weather Procedure
Throughout the winter months, many of our service areas where we provide outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness will be under extreme cold weather conditions. As we anticipate extreme cold temperatures, we will implement our Extreme Weather Procedures at all Catholic Charities Community Homeless Facilities.
When temperatures between 7 pm and 8 am are anticipated to drop at or below 15 degrees Fahrenheit, Catholic Charities Community Homeless Facilities will open their doors to an overflow capacity. These facilities will also lift temporary bans allowing community members to get out of the freezing temperatures.
During this time, we want to continue offering a safe, warm place for men and women to get out of the elements. Please pray for those we serve and our staff during this extreme weather!