Waukesha Shelter for Women and Children to Close Unless 'Angels' Can Help
Siena House closure next month is hopefully temporary, staff member says.
Siena House, a Waukesha homeless shelter for women, children and families, will temporarily close its doors next month unless some “angels” in the community can help keep it going, staff at the shelter said.
“I tell all the ladies who ask that there are angels out there in Waukesha County and they will come through for us,” said Carrie Schlee, staff member at Siena House.
In looking at finances for the year, staff at Hebron Houses of Hospitality, the organization that runs the shelter and two others in the area, knew they were going to have to make some hard decisions.
The recent recession has resulted in decreased donations was not unexpected but decreases in government grants and United Way funding have caused the staff members in the organization to realize they could either run Hebron or Siena House – not both – unless something changes, Schlee said.
“There is a $90,000 deficit they are trying to fix so that Siena House can stay open,” Schlee said.
Residents have a month to find some place to stay; if not, they may have the option of going to Hebron House. However, if they have some income, there is grant money available to help with rapid re-housing, Schlee said.
Currently, Siena House shelters 17 people – 14 women and three children. During peak demand, the house can be filled with up to 28 or 29 people. There are people at all levels of need at the house, including people they are helping to reunite with their children, Schlee said.
The closure is hopefully temporary, a month or two, during this slower season, Schlee said. The organization chose to close during this time of the year, when people have their tax refunds and are more willing to let someone stay with them. Once that money runs out, the shelters see an increase.
Phil Scarr
8:19 am on Thursday, March 31, 2011
So, I guess this falls under the category of "shared sacrifice," hmm?
“It is poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish.” -Mother Theresa
Deanna Tompsett
8:37 am on Thursday, March 31, 2011
My name is Deanna Tompsett I am what some call a Sieana House success, I stayed at the Sieana house from July 29 2010 till January 3 2011. To be honest if not for them I don't know where I would be right now. They gave me a safe place to work on my recovery from alcoholism and the tools and support to get a job. With there help and gods Grace I am in my 9th month of sobriety and gainfully employed! I saw many women and children come through though those doors in the five months I was there and can not stress enough how much this shelter needs to stay open. It is a safe ,supportive,caring place for women who just need a little help to get back on thier feet! I am calling all Angels!!
Becky
9:46 am on Thursday, March 31, 2011
Deanna, thank you so much for sharing your story. It is too easy to look away from hard news without a face on it, and seeing your success speaks to the power of this organization. I wish you continued strength and growth.
Siena House's woes are symptomatic of a much larger illness in our society. As our "Great Recession" expands into its 5th year, we have to recognize that if we don't care for our neighbors, we can't move society forward. That "shared sacrifice" that Phil references springs easily from the lips of our so-called leaders, but has very little to do with sharing or sacrifice from the rich and powerful in our country. I'm neither rich, nor powerful, and suspect most of you who read this article aren't either. But if you've got $5 or $10, we can make some powerful change right down the street. And I'd rather be soul-rich than purse-rich.
Shari Mathews Pullam
10:29 am on Thursday, March 31, 2011
Deanna was one of few lucky ones, who has a wonderful family to give her the support she needs. Deanna's brother spoke to me about her situation, I was able to bring Deanna into my home, in which she is able to continue with her success and to move forward. Like I said Deanna is one of few, there are mothers with children who have been abused, and the Siena House has given that mother a chance to move forward, to stop allowing the pain entry her life, and the pain of her children. Tell me now, where will these mothers, and others like Deanna go to? Where will they live? This is so sad, and with the recession happening it not only hits the ones with a job and home but it also hits the ones who are trying to give there children a better life, what are we teaching our children now????
Skirnir Hamilton
10:50 am on Thursday, March 31, 2011
My concern in all of this, was how well in budget was the rebuilding of Hebron House? IE did they over reach and this is why they are low on funds? I thought they had also received a large donation earlier this year from GE Healthcare.
Deanna Tompsett
12:10 pm on Thursday, March 31, 2011
Skirnir I understand your concern. If you read the article near the top about G.E.'S donation you will see that those moneys were used to aid in getting a winter shelter for men so that they would not freeze to death. As for the new Hebron house I know that they did encounter many snags do to all that is required when building anything let alone this type of housing, I would further assure you(having been living at the Seina house during this time) that you could not find more dedicated,caring and willing people that are doing thier very best to make a difference in their community!!
Eugene Barufkin
1:02 pm on Thursday, March 31, 2011
If anyone thinks Walker cares how many people are living on the streets of Wisconsin and how many more will be added because of his crazy illogical plans, you're as warped as he is.
What happened to the 10 Commends being enacted in Wisconsin??
Did Moses bypass Wisconsin?
It seems to me Walker can not read well.
- It's obvious he can not read the 10 Commandments.
If he thinks about this for a few minutes, he may come up with the weird idea that Wisconsin's education and support for the needy must be improved and not gutted.
(Whoops, Walker think positively, I made a mistake) (scratch that thought.)
Julee Oddino
7:50 am on Friday, April 1, 2011
There are angels in Waukesha, everywhere in fact. And Deanna, you're one of them. Simply sharing this need with us is you being obedient. I am so honored to know you and to be able to help Siena House. Like Becky said, at this time, in this economy most of us don't have a whole lot of extra income, but every little bit will help. How about you, will you be an angel too?
p.s. this has nothing to do with Walker or any other political figure. It has everything to do with your heart.
Skirnir Hamilton
5:40 pm on Monday, May 30, 2011
So what is the status of Siena house now?
Sarah Millard
12:06 am on Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Skirnir, the latest I heard was the shelter received a donation from an estate that allowed it to remain open. I don't know beyond that. Here is more information http://waukesha.patch.com/articles/estate-donation-saves-waukesha-shelter-from-closing