In 2022, St. John’s Ministries made a bold decision rooted in our belief that the women we serve deserved a shelter and resource center designed and built with them in mind. Although we sheltered women since our founding in 2005, our dining space, restrooms, and shower facilities were all shared with men. We knew women deserved better — enhanced privacy and the implementation of trauma-informed care.
So we developed a plan and acted. With community support, we acquired Wellspring, a year-round daytime resource center for women. We then purchased the other half of our current Walnut Street facility and renovated the space to create an overnight shelter. Both facilities are under the same roof — especially important for women with mobility challenges.
From 2023 to 2024, Brown County experienced a surge of 14% more people experiencing homelessness. This season, during the evening of January 22nd, we sheltered a record-shattering 57 women, and we experienced 16 nights with 50+ women needing overnight shelter compared to just one night of 50+ women the season before.
To-Do List for Next Season
- Modify part of our Walnut Street facility to begin increasing our shelter capacity.
- Upgrade furniture and mattresses as many of our guests have chronic health problems requiring a variety of sleeping options.
- Increase case management hours so guests are provided with multiple paths and options out of homelessness and into stability.
Our work is only possible because of our community — people full of compassion and the belief that everyone deserves safety, dignity, and the opportunity to rebuild their life. With the number of women in need continuing to rise to unprecedented levels, your support is appreciated and needed more than ever.
Sincerely,
Jesse Brunette, Executive Director
