GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) — After the Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary in Green Bay opened their doors to unhoused individuals overnight during a cold snap in January — causing concern from the city regarding safety and permit issues — the non-profit is working to launch the Safe Haven Hope Center.
According to the Safe Haven Hope Center Facebook page, it will serve as a “low-barrier shelter helping those facing the greatest barriers rebuild stability through providing basic needs, harm-reduction and mental health support, and healing through caring for at-risk animals.” The overall goal is to help residents into permanent housing.
Cathi Oreto is the co-founder of Safe Haven Hope Center. She says there are several people in the community who are not eligible for services at other shelters, and fall through the gaps. That’s why Safe Haven Hope Center will be a “low barrier” shelter; which means there are very few things that would prohibit somebody from being part of their program.
“In other words, if you’re on drugs, you still should have a place to stay warm. If you’re drunk, you still should have a place to stay warm. If you have behavioral issues, you still should have a place to stay warm,” she said.
Though plans for the center are still in their infancy and a permanent location has yet to be finalized, residents will help care for rescued and at-risk animals at Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary. Oreto says this helps individuals create opportunities for routine, responsibility, empathy, and purpose.
Safe Haven Hope Center is looking at spaces in downtown Green Bay, with a minimum of about 5 thousand square feet. There are a few other requirements, too.
“A space that the city would be okay with having a conditional use permit that’s habitable by people, and doesn’t need to be inspected by the DNR,” said Oreto. “We want something we can get pushed through the commission and common council.”
In the meantime, Safe Haven Hope Center assisting unhoused individuals by putting them in hotels/motels. This is their plan until the new shelter can open. Community members are encouraged to donate to help keep the program going through a Go Fund Me.
