News

St. John shelter to continue next fall,
says Deacon Reilly

By Jeff Kurowski
Compass Assistant Editor

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GREEN BAY -- Citing the call of Catholics to give food and shelter to those in need, Deacon Tim Reilly, diocesan director of administration, announced Monday, March 3, that St. John the Evangelist Homeless Shelter will open again on Nov. 1, 2008.

The shelter, which began operations on Nov. 6, 2007, and is scheduled to close on April 15, has served approximately 231 homeless men and women. The common council of the city of Green Bay voted to grant a zoning variance to the shelter for the winter of 2007/2008.

"We had anticipated an average population of maybe 25," said Deacon Reilly, "and we ended up with an average population of 38, going up over 50 on some nights."

"The shelter has operated as you would expect it to; very well," he continued. "It has a competent staff, competent volunteers. Time to time, issues arise. Part of the protocol of having a shelter is dealing with those issues. All of those issues have been handled in a professional manner."

The timing of the announcement allows for implementation of changes between now and next fall.

Deacon Reilly explained that the shelter will open earlier than 6 p.m. each evening. Clients are arriving prior to 6 p.m., and an earlier start time will address concerns from neighbors.

The facility will also stay open longer on weekday mornings to allow more time for social workers to meet with guests.

Another desired change is a daytime shelter for the homeless. St. John the Evangelist Homeless Shelter is seeking a partnership with another church or social service agency that can provide a day center.

Other changes include working with other faith communities or social service agencies outside Green Bay to provide shelter for St. John's clients. A person would check in at St. John's, but then be transported to another facility. Deacon Reilly also explained the benefits of having a social worker serve as executive director of the shelter on a 12-month basis, allowing the director to maintain contact with the homeless during the months shelter accommodations are not provided. Mary Marks, social services and community outreach director for St. Vincent de Paul, is currently serving as executive director at the shelter.

The announcement to reopen only pertains to the winter of 2008/2009, said Deacon Reilly.

"This past year, we had four days to prepare ourselves to run the shelter," he said. "We do not want to be in that same position next year. No other agency has plans, has staff, has funding lined up for next year. We will go forward with this plan based on our successful operation this year, but make modifications that better serve the homeless and have better relationships with the neighbors."

Deacon Reilly said he left a phone message for Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt to inform him of the plans. The shelter will operate even if the Green Bay City Council does not authorize permits, he added.

"This is a ministry of the Catholic Church," he said. "This is what we are called by Jesus to do. This is an integral and essential part of who we are as church."