The Interfaith Coalition for Housing - Sturgeon Bay is preparing to open its first transitional home. This is a momentous milestone for six Door County churches that decided to join forces to address housing insecurity and homelessness in the City.
This first project of ICH-SB is to convert a former medical clinic on 16th Avenue in Sturgeon Bay into a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home for a family experiencing housing insecurity because of a crisis or life-changing circumstance. Door County Medical Center owns the building and has made it available to the coalition, while Door County Habitat for Humanity has provided renovation assistance.
Ann Quale, a board member at Hope United Church of Christ, said the coalition grew out of conversations among local churches about the need for additional housing resources.
“Six churches got together and decided to get serious about the homeless population in Door County,” Quale said.
The Interfaith Coalition for Housing-Sturgeon Bay includes Hope Church, Sturgeon Bay Moravian Church, Bay View Lutheran Church, Christ the King Holy Nativity and Hainesville Lutheran Church. The coalition has partnered with Door County Medical Center and Door County Habitat for Humanity on its transitional housing project.
Quale said a community presentation scheduled for October 4 will provide residents an opportunity to learn more about the coalition's work and plans.
“We'll present information and data about homeless issues in Door County, talk about the transitional house and all of our future plans,” Quale said.
The transitional housing model is designed to provide more than a place to stay. Coalition plans include connecting families with services such as case management, financial counseling and other resources aimed at helping move toward long-term housing stability.
“We'll have a slide program and plenty of time for questions as well,” Quale said.
The community is invited to learn more about the effort during a presentation scheduled for 9 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at Hope United Church of Christ, Sturgeon Bay. Coffee and light refreshments will be available.The event is free and open to the public.
