United Way is getting more involved in area activities, especially when it comes to food and homelessness.
Uriah Williams, executive director for Shawano County’s United Way program, told the Shawano Common Council on July 8 that the sudden closure of Newcap earlier this year left a void in the services provided for emergency homeless shelters.
“That had a significant impact for a few reasons,” Williams said. “Reason one is that, in order for federal funding to come into our area for our housing nonprofits, there’s a need for balance in the state through a housing coalition. We are in talks with the organization that has accepted the federal funding on what it would look like for our United Way to help support that role.”
While those talks are going on, a new, local housing coalition has formed for Shawano and Menominee counties, according to Williams. He said Alderman Jack Young, City Administrator Eddie Sheppard and City Clerk Lesley Nemetz have been involved with Shawano, but there have also been a number of representatives from the Menominee Nation and area nonprofits working on the issue of homelessness in the area.
“For me, it feels very, very positive in the sense that, when Newcap was running this coalition, I’m not sure the right key stakeholders were at the table,” Williams said. “We’re working on how we can get some grant funding to hire a coalition coordinator.”
The need for a coordinator stems from the fact that Williams is the only paid staff member for the local United Way, and he is part-time.
Williams noted that the cost of living has gone up significantly, which impacts not only keeping a roof over families’ heads but maintaining food security, as well. A married couple with two children needs to bring in at least $39.36 an hour to make ends meet, he said, citing the recent United Way ALICE report that came out.
“I think we still have this perception in general in this area that making $15 an hour is pretty good pay,” Williams said. “If you’re making $15 an hour, you’re already behind the ball.”
Williams said he brought the issue up with Rep. Elijah Behnke, who asked what is causing the cost-of-living concerns.
“I shop at Aldi, and I’m paying $6 for coffee right now that used to be $2,” Williams said. “It’s all adding up and coming due.”
United Way has also taken over the monthly community meal program, which had previously been managed by the First Presbyterian Church.
lpulaski@newmedia-wi.com
