FOND DU LAC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – On Giving Tuesday, volunteers in Fond du Lac raised awareness about the community’s growing homeless population while also raising funds and collecting donations to help.
It was a cold day for anyone to be outside for a long period of time, but volunteers with St. Katharine Drexel Shelter, Holy Family and the Fond du Lac County United Way — all organizations that help the homeless — stood outside for 12 hours to make a point.
“We want people to come and be with us and walk with us and to walk in someone’s shoes for a day,” said Fr. Matthew Kirk with Holy Family.
Amy Loof, director of homeless services with Solutions Center, added, “The importance of being outside is because a day in the shoes of somebody who is homeless is outside.”
And according to officials with the St. Katharine Drexel Shelter, it’s a population that unfortunately continues to grow in Fond du Lac.
“Any given time in Fond du Lac, there’s 150 people experiencing homelessness. That number has tripled. Our wait list at the shelter right now sits at a total of 344,” Loof said.
As that number continues to rise, people are sharing their own stories and reasons for experiencing homelessness.
According to Betty, who lives at the St. Katharine Shelter, “I have a job. I work. Homeless aren’t just homeless, we’re people. We’re human beings that are being put out on the streets because the rents are going too high and nobody cares.”
“Everybody’s got a face, everybody’s got a name, everybody’s got a story. Just because you’re homeless doesn’t mean that you have issues or anything like that. Sometimes it just happens,” added Robert, who also lives at the shelter.
By standing outside in the elements, the volunteers not only brought attention to the issue, but they also collected donations to enable them to continue to feed, house and support the homeless.
“Everything that we collect today helps that population. Whether it’s monetary or cleaning supplies or hygiene supplies, it all goes directly back to the clients that we serve in all of our agencies,” said Loof.
It’s a show of solidarity that puts a face to homelessness, while also helping those experiencing homelessness to feel less alone.
“This is a day to let people know about us being human. We don’t want to be here, but we are. We’re some of the fortunate and people need to not look at homeless people as poverty or anything else, because we work. I work full-time, I just can’t find a place,” said Betty.
Another shelter resident, Lisa, added, “I have very little. And the staff here and people showing their support has made me happy. It has showed me that there is people that care.”
