Partnering Together Portage County Appoints First Executive Director for Homeless Shelter Initiative

Tabitha “Tabby” Prutz, a Stevens Point native and 1993 graduate of Pacelli High School, has been appointed as the first executive director of Partnering Together Portage County. Her new role began on August 17, 2026. Prutz brings over two decades of experience as a school psychologist, where she supported students and families in connecting with community resources and services.

Partnering Together Portage County is currently working to transform the former Odd Fellows lodge on Church Street into a year-round overnight homeless shelter. Volunteers continue to renovate the space, aiming to provide stable housing for individuals experiencing homelessness in the region.

The initiative reflects a growing effort to address housing insecurity through community collaboration. Prutz’s background in education and community support positions her to lead these efforts with a focus on practical solutions and human dignity.

Prutz’s journey to this role began with a chance encounter that sparked her commitment to serving others. This personal experience has shaped her approach to leadership and community service, emphasizing the importance of compassion and connection.

The transformation of the Odd Fellows lodge into a shelter underscores the need for innovative solutions to homelessness. By repurposing existing spaces, Partnering Together Portage County seeks to create a sustainable model for providing shelter and support.

The project aligns with broader discussions on public policy and the role of nonprofit organizations in addressing social challenges. It highlights the importance of community response and the integration of faith-based and secular efforts in serving vulnerable neighbors.

As the shelter nears completion, the community remains focused on ensuring that the space meets the needs of those experiencing homelessness. The initiative serves as a testament to the power of collective action and the call to care for the marginalized, as seen in Proverbs 31:8-9, which urges advocacy for the oppressed.

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