The Story of the Holy Family Warming Shelter

On November 15, 2023, in collaboration with the community, the Holy Family Warming Shelter opened on First Street to offer up to 30 single adults experiencing homelessness a place of safety and respite during the winter months. The Holy Family Warming Shelter operates on the Christian values of compassion, dignity, and care for people of all backgrounds and beliefs. With the Warming Shelter’s central location, guests have access to public transport, as well as many organizations located near downtown.

Through April 30, 2024, the Holy Family Warming Shelter served 146 individuals and distributed more than 1,000 meals—all of which were donated. A volunteer team of 159 people helped to care for the shelter’s guests, with more than 32 local organizations represented among the volunteers.

“We were blessed to have an incredible team of staff and volunteers at the Holy Family Warming Shelter, all working with the common goal of providing the best care possible to those most in need in our community,” Holy Family Catholic Community Pastor, Very Rev. Ryan Pruess said.

Mark and Karen Krueger, who volunteered throughout the season, said their experience at the Holy Family Warming Shetler was “gratifying,” and helped them gain a “true understanding” of what it means to experience homelessness.

“They are people who appreciate the generosity of having a hot meal and a warm place to sleep. The guests appreciated the kindness and respect shown to them,” Mark and Karen Krueger said. “By just being able to volunteer and talking to the guests, we got a glimpse to see who they are. They are people with hopes and dreams for the future.”

As shelter employees and volunteers sought to meet clients with support, the community sought to do the same with the shelter. Hundreds of Holy Family Catholic Community parishioners and community members contributed needed items and thousands of dollars in support. Local government, as well as numerous businesses, churches, agencies, and organizations assisted by providing funds, and knowledge to help bring the warming shelter to fruition. Throughout the season, organizations offered guidance and resources, such as the Fond du Lac Family YMCA, which allowed shelter guests to use its showers, as the Holy Family Warming Shelter could not offer them this past season. In November, St. Katharine Drexel Shelter and the Fond du Lac County United Way partnered with the Holy Family Warming Shelter to raise awareness about homelessness in the area at their Day of Compassion, collecting more than $4,000 for the organizations.

“Without the widespread support we received, we would not have been able to care for the guests of the Holy Family Warming Shelter, let alone open. We are very grateful for everyone, from those who donated to those who volunteered, who helped in the shelter in some way this season,” Holy Family Director of Human Concerns Erin Cobb.

As only the most vital renovations were completed on the warming shelter prior to its opening in November 2023, further renovations will begin on the shelter this month. The updates will increase the warming shelter’s capacity, improve the facility’s accessibility, and add four on-site bathrooms and showers. These changes will elevate the level of care at the shelter, and further ensure a sense of dignity and respect for those experiencing homelessness.

Warming Shelter Hours and Registration

The Holy Family Warming Shelter is open from 5:30 pm to 7:00 am every Sunday from November 1 to April 30. Guests can check in from 5:30 to 8:30 pm every night. Intake for new guests takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. 

This shelter is open to single individuals only, both men and women over age 18. Thirty-six spots are available each night. Guests must bring identification (ID) to register. 

FAQs for our Guests

Potential Warming Shelter guests or those who interact with members of our community who may be potential guests are invited to read our frequently asked questions for more information about the Holy Family Warming Shelter. 

Thank you to Holy Family Warming Shelter Supporters!

Recently, The Catholic Community Foundation Awarded the Holy Family Warming Shelter a $10,000 grant to care for those who need it most in our community during the winter months. We are very grateful to the Catholic Community Foundation for their support. To learn more about the foundation, please visit legaciesoffaith.org.