Estate Donation Saves Waukesha Shelter From Closing

In late March, the staff at Hebron House of Hospitality, a local non-profit organization that provides shelter to the homeless, was faced with the possibility that it would have to close one of its shelters.

Siena House serves women, children and families that need shelter and was going to close this month, at least temporarily, because the organization was facing a $90,000 deficit after receiving cuts in funding.

But now things have changed and the shelter will remain open, said Kathy Mayer, business manager for the organization.

“We were very fortunate to receive a donation from an estate,” Mayer said. “We are still not completely paid for, but it sure is giving us breathing room and allowing us to keep Siena House open.”

The organization is not releasing the name of the estate or the exact dollar amount of the donation.

Mayer said she was asked to send in paperwork in September as the estate needed the information on the non-profit status.  The organization didn’t hear anything again until Mayer opened the mail Friday afternoon, she said.

“It was perfect timing,” she said.

The organization is still fundraising to find $40,000 it received in funding cuts from grants and other areas. The staff members have been working to get the word out about the need.

, a coffee shop near Carroll University at 304 N. East Ave., will be holding a fundraiser from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday with live music and an open mic session. The proceeds from concessions will go to the fundraiser, as well as 20 percent of sales at the coffee shop, Mayer said.

“Everyone is doing what they can and getting the word out,” Mayer said.