About the Issue
When mental health issues are not managed, many people struggle to maintain employment and stable housing - which can even lead to homelessness. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 20 to 25% of the homeless population in the United States suffers from some form of severe mental illness.
Homelessness is a real issue in our community. For the last few years, our county has not had a shelter facility for homeless adults. United Way of Washington County provided a $45,000 grant to Family Promise of Washington County to open Karl’s Place - a new singles shelter in West Bend. Karl's Place will provide homeless men and women with the support they need to rebuild their lives. It will be staffed by caring individuals who will treat the residents with dignity, empathy and respect.
How You Can Help Out
Residents will begin moving in to Karl’s Place at the end of February and Emerging Leaders want to make sure these individuals get off to a great start! We'll be creating inspirational artwork for the walls of Karl’s Place, learning more about the issue of mental health in Washington County, and getting a behind the scenes look at the new shelter. You can also collect supplies for the shelter residents and bring them along. Here's what they're in need of: Wishlist
Karl’s Place
450 E. Water St., West Bend
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
4:00 PM-6:00 PM
+ Deliver collected supplies
+ Create a collaborative art installation for Karl's Place
+ Discussion on mental illness - Jim Giese, Ph.D. of Affiliated Clinical Services
+ Tour Karl’s Place - Joana Hemschemeyer, Karl’s Place Shelter Manager
Registration is now closed.