Homelessness

Homeless outreach workers in Milwaukee say there’s been a recent increase in homeless encampments cropping up across the area.

Unsheltered residents who have been camping along marsh trails and elsewhere within city limits are working to find new places to camp. That’s ahead of an August 28 deadline when the City of La Crosse says it will begin enforcing a new no-camping ordinance on city property. 

The La Crosse Common Council has passed a new ordinance prohibiting camping on any city property. The city has posted notices that the ban will be enforced beginning August 28.

A Madison-based group is trying to open temporary housing for children in Dane County aging out of the foster care system, offering them support they often lose upon turning 18.

Milwaukee County has started to see its homeless population rise in recent years, leaving outreach groups and workers to deal with an increase in need. 

Some residents, business owners asked city officials to ban tent encampment in river marsh. But advocates say unsheltered people have few alternatives.

Solace Home is open to homeless adults with terminal illnesses. Its goal: allow people to die with dignity, even if they can’t afford a place to live.

Officials and homeless outreach coordinators are urging people to stay inside and find shelter after three people died in Milwaukee County in recent days because of cold temperatures. 

After years of piecemeal projects, the new joint plan will increase staff support and use data to find long-term solutions to high rates of homelessness in La Crosse.

Seven agencies across the state were awarded more than $750,000 in grant funding through the Recovery Voucher Program.