Kenosha Man’s Death Highlights Need For Homeless Shelter

The frozen body of a homeless man was found in a downtown Kenosha used car lot just a day after local clergy warned that homeless people are at risk of dying this winter due to a lack of adequate shelter.

The body of Darryl Peddicord, 49, was found lying on the pavement in the car lot on Nov. 16, police said. A mechanic made the discovery after going to move some vehicles. It wasn’t clear what Peddicord had been doing in the lot at the time of his death, but workers said homeless people had sought shelter in vehicles parked in the area in the past.

Peddicord was a frequent visitor during cold weather months to the now-closed First Step Services Inc., refuge center. The center closed earlier this year because of complaints from neighbors.

“It makes me sick to my stomach,” said Tracy Krisor, founder and manager of the non-profit which offered shelter for the past 14 years.

“My fear is who else are we going to lose in the cold,” she said.

Krisor said Peddicord had his ups and downs but was a “sweet gentleman and very kind-hearted.”

Since First Step closed, Congregations United to Serve Humanity, an interfaith nonprofit dedicated to advocating for social justice, has been pressing for a replacement. CUSH officials said that the recently built Shalom Center — an emergency shelter for families and individuals — while a huge asset to the community, isn’t set up to serve the area’s most vulnerable homeless population, specifically those who suffer from substance abuse or mental illness.

CUSH members held a rally to draw attention to their cause the Wednesday before Peddicord died. At the rally, Rev. Justin Lowe said that he was afraid that homeless people —especially those suffering from medical conditions — would die without shelter.

The Rev. Susan Patterson-Sumwalt — a CUSH spokeswoman — said Tuesday that Peddicord’s death was sad and tragic.

“We really hope his life isn’t in vain but it causes some urgency in that we need some emergency shelter for those who are homeless,” she said.

The group is continuing to meet with local officials to press their case.