Downtown alderman critical of homeless study-Debate about Waukesha shelter includes defenders of its service

Waukesha -The only criticism of a study recommending a temporary overflow shelter at St. Matthias Episcopal Church that was presented Wednesday evening at the Waukesha Plan Commission meeting came from Alderman Randy Radish.

The study states that St. Matthias, 111 E. Main St., was the only location that would provide all the needed housing criteria. The group examined 49 possible locations, said Bernie Juno, executive director of Hebron House of Hospitality.

Radish questioned why downtown-affiliated organizations were not asked to participate in an informal committee addressing homelessness. He said he will save his remaining comments for the Sept. 23 plan commission meeting when a conditional use permit for the shelter will be proposed.

The committee "looks like they excluded people to get the results they got," Radish said. Mayor Larry Nelson explained the committee was comprised of people who work directly with the homelss. "The intent was not to exclude anyone," Nelson said.

The plan commission allowed a temporary shelter as spots at Hebron House and the Salvation Army became over-crowded last winter. The poor economy is forcing more people out of their homes and into shelters, Juno said.

A business owner, church neighbor, a former homeless man, church workers and charity volunteers spoke in favor of an overflow shelter.

Duwayne O'Grady considers himself a homeless survivor from the 1990's. He continues to stay active in the community, as he received help from different agencies and a church to get his life together and obtain employment.

"I will be forever grateful for what the community has given me," O'Grady said. "...Everything that has been given back to me, I try to give to the community."

Roger Igielski, owner of Allo! Chocolat, spoke in favor of the homeless shelter, refuting previous news media reports that downtown business owners are against the overflow shelter.

"Our attitude is everyone is welcome downtown as long as you behave," Igielski said.

Downtown businesses appreciate the services the charity organizations have offered for those in need, Igielski said. Igielski also encouraged Juno to continue expansion of daytime services for needy people to receive the resources they require to find jobs and permanent housing.

Dave Herzog of Oconomowoc brought the New Beginnings Christian Church youth group to share their support for the shelter. The teens will volunteer at the shelter if it is approved.

Herzog volunteered at the shelter last year and shared his experiences while helping the less fortunate. One of the men helped start a tutoring program for young students at the church, Herzog said.

"I just wanted to make note that the men are completely helpless and they are willing to do their part to help out the community," Herzog said.