Homelessness in Stevens Point, WI. Image courtesy: WAOW TV
STEVENS POINT, WI (WSAU-WAOW) – Homelessness rates nationwide increased 18% from 2023 to 2024, according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness.
With the rising cost in rent and the housing market, many across the nation are finding themselves without a home, including in Stevens Point.
“Many of our homeless people that live on the street have jobs. They just can’t afford a place to live,” says Mayor Mike Wiza of Stevens Point.
To help address that need, the city is working on multiple affordable housing projects — while also partnering with Partnering Together to create a year-round overnight shelter. “For $150,000 we would grant Partnering Together that amount of money to purchase the building and then Partnering Together would be responsible for all of the modifications that would be necessary, the maintenance and operations of the facility,” says Wiza.
Now the city awaits Partnering Together and the current owner of the building to come to a closing date before officially purchasing the building.
“The building has not yet been purchased. There is a verbal agreement,” says Wiza.
At the same time, the city approved a No Camping Ordinance, which will take effect once the shelter officially opens — aiming to move people from public spaces into safer, indoor options while keeping public areas accessible to all.
“Basically what it does is it prohibits camping on city property…having any camping related items with you so sleeping bags, tents and things like that, that would be left somewhere would be prohibited now,” says Wiza.
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