Waukesha warming center to open at St. Matthias Church during extreme cold

Waukesha has long faced criticism for lacking a warming center during extreme cold, a gap that has now been addressed through community collaboration. The new warming center will operate at St. Matthias Church, offering a safe and warm space for those in need during the coldest nights of the year.

Kathleen Fisher, CEO of Hebron Housing Services, expressed hope that the basement at St. Matthias will provide a place for people to sleep during dangerously low temperatures. “We want to make sure that anyone—everyone—has a place to sleep at night—especially in those cold winter nights,” Fisher said. The initiative was sparked by a particularly severe cold snap in January, when wind chills dropped to 40 below zero.

Bob Glowacki, leader of St. Vincent de Paul of Waukesha County, voiced concerns about the lack of a 24-hour warming shelter, similar to those in Milwaukee. His comments in January prompted a community response. “Waukesha is desperately in need of a 24-hour warming shelter like they have in Milwaukee,” Glowacki said, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

The new warming center will be open during extreme cold, from 7 p.m. until 7 a.m., as needed, starting in mid-December. While it will not provide beds, it will offer a safe environment for rest, along with food, beverages, and access to resources. Fisher estimated the center will serve between 50 and 75 individuals over the season, operating for 30 to 40 nights.

During the day, the Hope Center will provide meals and support services. HAWS will coordinate pet assistance, and St. Vincent de Paul will offer hospitality support. Hebron Housing Services will staff the center and manage volunteers. “This initiative shows what is possible when a community comes together with urgency and compassion,” said Jodie LaChapelle, St. Vincent de Paul Director of Community Initiatives. “When winter weather becomes dangerous, we must act.”

The effort reflects a collective commitment to care for vulnerable neighbors, ensuring that no one faces the cold alone. It underscores the importance of community response and the role of local organizations in addressing housing insecurity and providing essential services.

Source: Read the original report